First and foremost, action research is intended to bring about change. Action research focuses on the concerns of the practitioners themselves as opposed to university researchers, for example. It's more of an insider's look at an issue and engages these insiders in the design, data collection, interpretation and reflection of their focus. (Dana, 2009)
Action research can also be described as the study of one's own professional practice. These professionals seek change by reflecting on their practice. They create a focus question that describes an issue of concern; they collect data that is relevant to their focus question; they analyze the data and conduct additional research; they make changes based on these findings; and they reflect on these changes and the results of their actions.
Action research is a process that, if practiced correctly, is continuous. According to Donnan Stoicovy, principal at Park Forest Elementary School, action research "is the process of creating and re-creating my school, my life and my practice a questions at a time." (Dana, 2009)
I like how action research is a practical approach to professional and campus improvement. It is interactive because participants must work together to implement the desired change. And it's fueled by student and teacher need; in other words, it's an individualized approach to a particular campus' requirements.
Action research is an important tool for any professional. I believe that I can use this skill to always be looking at how I can improve my professional approach and my campus. Through reflection, I will be better able to examine what's working and what's not working. Through collaboration, I can grow as an individual and participate in a true learning community. And through studying data, I will have direction and focus.
Resources
Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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