What I Have Learned About Action Research so far...

I have learned that action research is exactly what it sounds like - research that requires ACTION!  Educators love, love research!  We love to read research, study research and talk about research.  Admit it, you have participated in numerous book studys about educational research!  Is that enough?  I think not! 

Administrators begin with a question or curiosity about an issue that poses a concern related to the needs of the students, teachers, or administration on their campus. Data is then collected and analyzed in an interactive and reflective way. To help the administrator analyze the data, current literature that is relevant to the issue should be studied. Once these steps are accomplished, the administrator should make “changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and [share] findings with others” (Dana).

Action research is an “essential component in order to establish a firm foundation for school improvement.” (Harris)  Every administrator knows that continuous improvement is always the goal of a successful school.

 

So, to me action research is a call to action to meet the needs of my students, my staff and my school!  Let us not just research a problem or concern, but let us implement a solution.  Then give that solution a try and see what happens. If it works continue forward, it if doesn't try a different solution.  Does this sound like something new?  Not at all!  This is exactly what we teach our students everyday.  Be a problem solver, be a risk taker and never stop trying.  Tomorrow can always be better than today!

References:

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher.       
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 8 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.