Action Research Works

Action research, also known as inquiry, is investigating in a systematic way. It is the process of a principal engaging in this systematic, intentional study of her administrative practice and taking action for change based on what she learns from the inquiry. During this inquiry, the principal looks for change and reflect on her practice by asking questions, collecting data to obtain insight into those questions, analyzing data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings gained during the inquiry, and sharing findings with others. Action research is effective as a professional development tool because effective staff development for administrators is long-term, planned and job-embedded; focuses on student achievement, supports reflective practice; and provides opportunities to work, discuss, and solve problems with peers.

Many educators are familiar with traditional educational research as opposed to action research. Traditional educational research is ineffective. It is where an “expert” comes into the school and teaches everyone a new and improved technique that should be implemented in the classroom. Many times these “experts” are college professors who have conducted research and are alien to the everyday occurrences in the school. In this case, the principal is required to negotiate the dilemmas framed by outsiders and is asked to implement with fidelity a curriculum designed by someone outside of the school. Teachers and administrators in this situation are reluctant to admit their difficult experiences because to do so would be an admission of failure. Action research involves everyone. It affords the opportunity for the principal and teachers to work together to pose questions about current practices, analyze data and literature, and collectively determine better practices which will mean success for the students.

Action research is a very valuable tool in today’s educational setting. As an administrator, I could use action research to formulate a solution to problems that exist at the high school. For example, when the tardy bell rings at the high school, many students remain in the hallways meandering around. This takes away from instructional time as teachers must take minutes from teaching to document tardies and fill out tardy slips to be sent to the principal.

Blogging can be used by educational leaders to communicate with school stakeholders. Administrators could use blogs to communicate school information or news to parents and people in the community. In lieu of email, administrators could utilize blogs to communicate vital information to everyone on the campus as well. Teachers could use blogs to communicate with parents to provide them with information about the class. By incorporating an RSS feed, stakeholders would not have to search for the blog site. As the blog is updated, the feed would automatically be sent to the stakeholder making it easy to remain current.