My Introduction to Action Research

I have learned that action research is an important tool for school improvement in the 21st Century. Administrators, as well as teachers, can use action research to turn around failing schools and to enhance the learning of students in successful school settings. Action research can be defined as the study of one’s own administrative, or teaching practice, and, taking action for change based on the study that one has been engaged. Practitioners of action research look for worthwhile change to make in the school setting, engage in reflection , pose questions, collect data, analyze data, read relevant literature, and make important changes in teaching and learning.

I have also learned that, unlike traditional educational research, action research is an excellent way for educators to tackle the immediate concerns in one's own school. Action research engages administrators and teachers to design, collect data and interpret data around their own questions. And, unlike traditional research, theories and knowledge are grounded in the realities of the school situation.

Action research is a practical tool for administrators and teachers to use to address the problems in their own schools. These concerns can include, but are not limited to, curriculum standards, achievement benchmarks, questions of cultural background and immigration status, income disparities, physical and mental disabilities and students with learning disabilities. These challenging problems can be solved with action research.

Blogs create the opportunity for administrators and teachers to discuss topics of concern. With a blog, educators are able to share their thoughts and opinions about school issues. Through blogs, educators have time to be reflective professionals. Also, blogs can help administrators and teachers work together for a given action research study topic by allowing them to network and conference.