Action research or administrative inquiry is a process that promotes school improvement. The administrator or teacher poses a question, collects and analyzes data, develops a plan of action, implements and monitors changes, shares the results, and collaborates with colleagues. As teachers and administrators examine and reflect on their own instructional techniques and strategies, they consider and implement new and innovative ways to improve their schools.
In traditional educational research, administrators are expected to implement research that has been conducted by an “outside” expert. This expert rarely comprehends the daily activities within the school. In contrast action research is conducted by the administrator or teacher. These are the true experts. They investigate solutions to significant problems that are worthy of being resolved. As a direct result of being personally involved, these experts will effectively implement and monitor changes to promote school improvement. Action research is a process that represents the “voices of the people who work in the trenches of the school building on a daily basis” (Dana, 2009, p. 5).
As a teacher, I realize the value of action research. It is a powerful tool that promotes educational reform and campus/district policy changes. Action research provides me with the data that will support the need for change, or it may necessitate the formulation of new questionings. Despite the results of the inquiry, all educational stakeholders will benefit as we strive to improve student learning.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Jeanette King
EDLD 5301/ET 8038
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