Action Research: What it is and how to use it.

According to the required readings, action research is the process of the principal engaging in a systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice by posing questions, collecting data, gaining insights in their wonderings, analyzing data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others.  As I understand it, action research reminds me of the scientific process and of the decision making process.  It is a tool that can help administrators and teachers improve the specific learning environment for the community, parent involvement, and student successes along with discovering needs for professional development.

Action research organizes the chaos of challenges in the educational environment.  As an administrator, action research can be used to improve test scores, teacher performance, instructional strategies, and campus management.  Teachers can use action research to also better test scores, classroom management, parental involvement, instructional strategies, community participation/assistance, and differentiation for the student’s learning styles.  Action research helps the administrator and teacher be engaged in the process and take ownership of the results.  It provides documentation of processes used to solve the initial challenge.  Action research that focuses on improving student achievement also improves teaching. 

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

     (pp. 1-19). Corwin Press
 

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2010). Examining what we do to improve our

     schools, 8 steps from analysis to action. (pp. 5-7).

Ringler, M. (2007). Action research: An effective instructional leadership for future public school 
     leaders. AASA Journal of Scholarship and Practice, 4(1), 27-51.