Action Research - What is it and how can you use it?

Action research is a powerful source of professional growth and learning.  It allows an administrator to evaluate his/her beliefs and practices and to raise questions regarding those practices in order to identify areas that may need adjustments. After identifying those areas, the administrator has the opportunity to conduct action research by collecting and analyzing data, making changes in his/her practice based on new understandings, and sharing findings with others.  Through this process, the educator unleashes a powerful tool in action research as a source of professional development, and administrators can gain deeper insights into their practices and their leadership role in school improvement.

Action research can be used in a variety of educational settings.   One important educational setting occurs within leadership teams. Leadership teams are instituted by principals and usually include any assistant administrators and at least three teachers who also have classroom responsibilities.  The team shares problems, responsibilities, and decision-making opportunities and may be used for consultative purposes, strategic planning, policy development, monitoring and coordinating programs, and collaboration.  By using action plans and leadership teams, an administrator is surrounding himself with other professionals that can help provide expertise to various situations.

Overall, action research is a proactive approach to discovering ways to improve one's beliefs and practices.  It gives an individual the opportunity to be involved in the questioning and the discovery of situations and gives a voice and insight to those directly affected by the concerns.