Sunday, October 14, 2012

Insights into Action Research

The term action research was a new term to me, but not a new concept.  As I read about and studied examples of action research I realized that action research in varying degrees is part of my everyday life in the school setting.  Action research is a continuous process of evaluating data, defining an issue, putting together a plan, carrying out the plan and re-evaluating.  With the instantaneous ability to view data on individual students, classes, departments and schools as well as the large variety of assessment and survey tools at our fingertips there is no reason that as educators we should not be using this wealth of data and information to continuously be seeking out concerns and working through and implementing new methods, solutions, programs and procedures to enhance the education systems within our classroom, schools and community. 

Even though I feel that action research is a part of my everyday life in the school setting I think that one must understand what action research is and its purpose.  Action research is a continuous process of evaluating data, defining an issue, putting together a plan, carrying out the plan and re-evaluating.  In order for it to truly be action research I believe it must be intentional, purposeful, and systematic. Intentional in that participants understand why and what we are doing.  Without that understanding you will not have the buy in which will drive the organization towards action.  Purposeful because when there is an emotional buy in and we see purpose we are more willing to assist in the process.  It must be systematic in the way that we acquire and reflect on data, the process in which we implement new procedures or programs and how we evaluate.  Having a systematic approach helps the people involved understand the process. 
Action research can be used by a superintendent to help drive a school district, by a principal to take his or her campus to greater achievements, by a classroom teacher to transform their student’s learning.  Action research, when used properly, can be the driving force behind positive change in education.   

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