Reflections on my EDLD 5301 Class

When I first started this course and read my first chapter in the Nancy Fichtman Dana book entitled Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher, I learned the definition of administrator inquiry.  Dana (2009) states, “administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of inquiry” (p. 2).  As I read further, into the chapter, the idea became a bit less alien.  However, the definition was not crystal clear until week two when I saw the videos of Dr. Johnny Briseno, Dr. Tim Chargois, and Dr. Kirk Lewis probably because they were discussing what their own personal experiences have been with administrator inquiry.  Another reason why it may have been more understandable could be because there is something more tangible about seeing and hearing a person talk as opposed to reading about it in a book.  I’m not, in any way, undermining the book; it was a great help, but I guess I’m more of a visual learner.  I completely appreciated their advice.  From Dr. Briseno, I take the “don’t reinvent the wheel” advice about reading what others have done, so I will apply this when I get into my parental involvement research.  I will read up on what others have done and see how I can incorporate others' findings into my research.  From Dr. Chargois, I take, “Use data to impact instruction.”  In collecting my data, I have high hopes that it will make a huge difference in our campus.  Lastly, from Dr. Lewis, I take, “Do what is practical for you.”  I don’t think I have to explain that further.  All three men offered wonderful advice that made my apprehensive approach toward action research unwarranted.  I am forever grateful.  I think it was their advice that served as a springboard for delving into my research.  With the understanding that I don’t have to bite on more that I can chew, that I can research something that I’m honestly curious about, that I can research an area of concern for my campus, that it’s okay to see what others have done and not have to research “where no man has gone before,” I gained the confidence to take the plunge.