New Lessons Learned About Action Research

It's been a very informative week in my educational research class.  I really enjoyed the videos of Dr. Briseno and Dr. Lewis.  It was awesome to hear first hand how action research has been used in their respective districts.  I learned that the best research is performed on a topic you are interested in and that has relevance for your currrent educational environment.  I learned that it's an excellent source of professional development, and should be ongoing so that quality data drives important decisions that are made regarding educational changes.  Most importantly, I learned that we've been doing action reearch on my campus for several years.  However, it had never been referred to as "action research".  Now I have a name for it, and understand how essential it is for educational excellence!

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs

     Blogs are an excellent way for educational leaders to capture their own thought processes as an inquiry unfolds.  Blogs are easily created and easily updateable.  Blogs can be used much like personal journals.  Research and data can be added to blogs instantly as thoughts and answers emerge.  A blog captures and stores thoughts safely so they can be shared and/or returned to at a later time.  Educational leaders can also learn from other blog posts, and can post comments and questions a well.   

What I Have Learned About Action Research

     Action research is a powerful tool used by administrators and teachers that is long-term, planned, and job-embedded.  It focuses primarily on student achievement, supports reflective practice, and provides opportunities to work, discuss, and solve problems with peers.  Action research is investigating in a systematic way.  It's examining data, asking the right questions, and requesting more information when needed.  Action research is simply an extension of good teaching.  It validates a teacher's effectiveness in the classroom and is a powerful vehicle for learning and school improvement.  Action research is usually done to bring about some sort of change. 
     One of the challenges faced by educators regarding action research is finding the time to engage in the inquiry.  It's best to simply acknowledge that lack of time will always be an issue, so make inquiry, or action research, a part of your daily, or at least weekly routine.  Research an issue that needs to be addressed anyway.  Formulate a study group based on an existing problem.  Scheduling a planned, consistent time each week for action research will not only accomplish the inquiry, but will make educators more effective, too.
     Various contexts are ripe for the development of educator inquiry.  These include taking university coursework, attending district meetings, becoming part of a leadership team, or being a contributing member of a professional learning community (PLC).  All four contexts are not only excellent vehicles used to engage in action research, but they provide outstanding professional development opportunities as well. 
     The benefits for engaging in action research are numerous.  They include, but are not limited to, colleague collaboration, acquiring knowledge of different learning styles, and identifying strategies for improvement in the classroom.  The ultimate benefit is student improvement and increased learning for all involved in the process.