I have learned that action research is an effective tool on establishing leader qualities that it takes to be an administrator. Action research is identified as a person in professional practice establishing a planned method that will bring change. It is identifying the conflict and finding a method within the school instead of outside society influences. I believe administrators use action research without even being aware that they are using it. But it is important that you take the right steps and actions while being able to identify that you are using action research. Taking the proper steps and being able to evaluate will be more effective in professional development.
      What I have observed in my years as a teacher is this: Principals are faced with numerous problems each day. They often seek advice from within the school personnel on some problems that they are not sure about. I have visited with principals about problems, I have seen the principal seeking advice from the superintendent, which are all within the school and not outside society. They then put into practice what they believe is the best solution, along with the advice they got from within the school. They are able to evaluate that the idea that they created, positive or negative change. This allows the administrator to experience professional development within the process by reviewing the data and outcome.
      I most definitely will use this type of method when I become an administrator. The advantages that I see one gaining is unlimited. Being able to effectively use this process is the key to using action research. Knowing who is involved (within the interest of the school), knowing how to approach the people at stake, creating the planned idea, and taking action is the basic foundation of this approach. Then, being able to reflect on yourself, the problem, and data you are able to see yourself and the school grow. It starts with you taking the initiative and you ending with a positive experience.
       Administrators can also use blogs to their effective leadership roles. Blogging allows an educational leader to collect data through comments on blogs they have prepared. This allows feedback from numerous sources. You can use surveys to see what majority of the educational body is in favor of an issue, or certain feelings that are imposed towards a problem. Blogs can also be useful to keep school interest groups informed on certain issues that are going on. If everyone is aware, and up to date on school district every day life, then I believe the school can run smoother. I can guarantee that most problems come from the root of communication. Communication is the underlying most important tool in effective every day life. So if blogging keeps a higher percentage of the community informed, why not use it as a tool for effective leadership roles.
     As reflection is vital to becoming a successful leader, Dana states in Data Collection Strategy 7 as this: blogging can serve as your personal pensive to capture and store your thoughts and recollections safely so you can share them with teaching colleagues or other administrators and return to them at various times in the evolution of your inquiry, gaining newer and deeper insights with each visit. (Dana 2009, pg 88).

                                                              References

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher

           Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press