Action Research - What and How?

Action research is a newer form of action based educational research. Traditional educational research relied on research and input from experts unrelated and unfamiliar with the specific campus. Action research, however, relies on the knowledge from professionals directly involved with the school and the issue being researched. By gathering information and research from individuals with an active knowledge of the issue, the school gains the most relevant and up to date facts and information. In  addition, change is most likely to be implemented and supported if the members have an active role in creating the resolution. Action research can involve any number of school issues. From professional learning communities to leadership teams, the possibilities are endless. There are numerous benefits of conducting action research. Avoiding teacher and professional isolationism is a huge benefit. Many teachers want to manage their own classroom and never associate with other professionals. Action research encourages all professionals to work together to implement positive changes needed to improve education. Another benefit is that administrators will often become role models for teachers and staff. By modeling lifelong learning, administrators keep an active role in the relevant improvement of their staff and students’ needs. Action research also ensures the most effective learning strategies prevail in your school. Only by group evaluation of the effectiveness of different practices can the most beneficial techniques be found and implemented. A final benefit of action research is that it allows an administrator to slow down and actively focus on one issue at a time. Once action research is implemented on a regular basis, an administrator will be able to plan ahead and deal with issues before they become problems. In summary, action research is beneficial because it gets the professional input from many different individuals. As a result, the most effective changes can be implemented.