MY Thoughts on Action Research

Oh, how I dread research...or so I thought.

I learned a vast amount of information about action research (administrator inquiry) after reading the required readings for Week 1. Action research is different from traditional research. According to Dana (2009), action research "refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry” (p. 2). Action research is very practical. It is based on specific needs for the improvement of a school campus/climate and keep it well balanced. It is research that takes place within the school opposed to outside research being implemented within the school. As educators, we have been using this valuable form of research all along, to some extent, because we constantly identify problems, research solutions, and then finally apply the research and implement new practices in an effort to improve our classroom. These steps are followed by evaluating whether or not the strategies and new practices were effective and if beneficial change took place or new measures need to be taken. Action research requires reflection. This promotes growth, important feedback, improvement, and "allows best practices to flourish" (Dana, 2009, p. 14). Action research provides a way for teachers and administrators to collaborate toward our goal, which is improving student achievement. It is through ownership during the process, because we are self-reflecting, which can be difficult for educators, as well as learning from each other that will bring forth the best results. I believe that what makes action research so powerful is the fact that it gives each one of the people involved first-hand information and ownership making it personal, which elevates its importance to those involved. As teachers and administrators, we are truly "the people who work in the trenches" (Dana, 2009, p. 5). The most effective results will surface when collaboration is prevalent. We are life-long learners and have to model this to our students and each other. Successful leaders lead by example. Throughout this process, I plan to post thoughts and information that illustrate my active research, data, findings, continuous administrator inquiries, and improvement in order to be an effective leader and help provide a school environment that encourages successful teaching and learning for both faculty, staff, and students.

There are endless ways that teachers and administrators could use action research. Personally, I plan to use action research to conclude if being in an extracurricular activity, in high school, affects a student's academic performance (grades), behavior, tardies, absences, and referrals. By the end of the school year, I hope to have enough evidence to determine if there are any effects on each of these aspects of a student's school life due to them participating in extracurricular activities.


Reference:

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading With Passion and Knowledge: The Principal As Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.