Action Research and How To Use It

What I have learned about action research and how I could use it.

Action research is a specific type of research meant to be implemented into a school setting.  It is very different from traditional research because you are not simply gathering data, reading it, and regurgitating it in written form, it becomes a living, breathing document.  Although you do gather data and read it, action research goes beyond traditional research by pinpointing an educational issue, formulating strategies for improvement, implementing and evaluating the strategies, and clarification that results in new problems and areas for improvement (Dana, 2009, p. 5).  Action research is useful at all levels in a school district.  It can be used in central office settings to unify all departments to work toward a common goal.  It can be used with administrative teams to create “a culture of collaboration couples with educational reform, accountability, and improved standards” (Dana, 2009, p. 21).  And, in my opinion the most important, at the campus level.  With the principal as leader/facilitator/coach and the teachers involved, action research creates a collegiality and camaraderie.  The principal and teachers work together as a team and this creates buy-in for everyone involved.  When a group of teachers work together to bring about change climate and morale are built and the students benefit from this.