Action research refers to the process of an administrator engaging in systematic, intentional study if his or her own administrative practices and taking action for change based on what he or she learns based on the results of the research. (Dana, 2009, p. 2) So in other words, we are looking deep into our own ways of doing things as leaders and determining what we can do to make things better, or what we can eliminate if it is unnecessary. Dana Fichman (2009, p.5) describes action research as research or an inquiry that engages practitioners in the design, data collection and interpretations of this data around their question. It is a flexible research process that can be used to develop a better understanding of almost any question. It answers all the "W's" of the question at hand. It is a process that runs identifies a problem, formulation of a plan of action for solving the problem, implementing this plan and determining its effectiveness, and lastly clarifying the situation and making adjustments as necessary. Then the process can repeat itself as many times as necessary. The best part of this type of research is that the people who are actually involved in the situation or problem are active participants throughout the whole process. Lots of times we see research and wonder, "where the heck do they come up with this?" But through this process, it is you who is coming up with everything. YOU determine the problem, YOU plan for a solution, YOU implement and evaluate the solution, and YOU decide what to adjust as necessary.
Some examples of action research in the school setting may include, but are not limited to, how inclusion models are working to help students succeed, how different learning styles can impact student learning and achievement, how staff development impacts student learning, and if cultural differences affect student achievement.
Source:
Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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