What is Action Research?

Looking at the title of this research describes what exactly action research is.  It isn’t the kind of research that I did when I was a senior in high school.  (That was a long time ago!)  Adding the word action to it defines what this type of research is.  If you are participating in action research you will be working and learning through the whole process.  This type of research is perfect for a school setting because there are constant problems that arise during the school year in the classroom and on the campus as a whole. That is why the staff within the school that work with the students day in and day out are the ones that understand what problems they face and are best equipped to research, collect data, and implement changes that will benefit the school as a whole. Teachers or administrators who are participating in action research find a problem in their school or classroom and research according to their findings.   Action research is a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action.  The teaching professionals in this type of strategy collaboratively find problems within their classroom or schools, they pose questions that would help them to discover insight into the problems, collect data found from readings and inquiry, analyze the data, and share the data that they have found which in turn would set up a new set of problems that were in need of improvement.  This type of research gives principals and teachers an opportunity to make changes in the educational system.  Action research expands teacher’s knowledge and will keep professional development as an ongoing process.  Dana (2009) states that action research “can lead to meaningful change for schools and all the people who inhabit them-principals, teachers, and students”. (p. 11)

Professional learning communities would be the perfect time to use action research.  Meeting with teachers on a regular basis to discuss the problems as they arise would ensure that we dealt with and found solutions to the problems.  Teachers that continually research and look for better ways to handle situations, improve test scores, strengthen motivational strategies, acquire more parental involvement, implement technology, etc. would connect the principal and teachers.  Working together collaboratively would make a common bond that sometimes is lacking in today’s school environment.  Collaboration amongst teachers is important because it brings different ideas, different research, and different plans of action to those in their group. If used correctly, PLC’s would not only benefit the growth of student learning but the growth of all involved in our school because it promotes professional development.

 

 

 

 

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

      researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.