Action Research

Action research is a process used to bring about necessary changes in an educational setting. The research is based upon active questioning, and the analysis of data. The process takes time, determination, and dedication on the part of the researcher. The person or group must start with a goal in mind and establish a pattern to accomplish the goal. They must then be willing to make any necessary adjustments and changes as the process unfolds.
Action research can provide administrators with a basis for many beneficial changes in the realm of education.
1. One of the key ingredients is ownership of ideas and direction; teachers should be able to have involvement in this type of planning. As an administrator you need to support and have confidence in your staff. If you give them the impetus to research, adjust, and collect needed data to address the issues and you will have a cooperative, happy, involved campus and the improvements needed for your kids.
2. Personal reflection is important whether you are an administrator in an educational setting, or the CEO of a major company. Taking time to look from the outside in and reflecting upon what is working and what is not gives you opportunities for needed changes and the renewing of goals.
3. Teachers and students have needs that must be met in order for the educational process to run smooth and efficiently. Establishing a team of staff to address, analyze, and set goals to address these concerns is very beneficial to a campus and its morale.
4. Limit Wild Goose Chasing! In education there will always be this new book, or that new curriculum, or some new gadget. Every administrator in our region is jumping on whatever bandwagon is hot this week. However, this new curriculum which may work in one particular school in a high socioeconomic suburban area would not benefit our type of students. Instead teachers and administrators need to study our kids, evaluate our needs, and then find appropriate solutions based upon research and data from schools with similar situations.