Friday, July 16, 2010

What is action research?


From what I have gathered so far, action research is a means of problem solving and professional growth that allows the persons most directly affected to analyze the issues through a series of questions and data gathering. Once the data has been collected, it can be used to form a plan to address the issue. The plan is then implemented and evaluations are made to determine effectiveness and make necessary changes. This process is beneficial because it creates ownership of the process, which in turn leads to greater success. By continually asking questions and examining issues a campus can sustain improvements.

There are several benefits to principal inquiry. One of those being professional growth. Reflecting is a means of stepping back and asking the hard questions that will, in the long run, help one to develop best practices. It also allows for the principal to collaborate with other principals, thus combating the issue of isolation. Action research also allows for the growth of the faculty and ensures that best practices will be used with greater success across the campus. Lastly it allows the principal to step out of the usual bindings of his job and relax on some level.

As we move forward, I hope to learn to be an effective action researcher. Learning the questioning techniques will be beneficial in the classroom as well as an administrator.

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