Action Research: What I Have Learned

What I learned about Action Research is that it is a reflective process that allows collaboration among all stakeholders involved to help find solutions to problems that are experienced in school everyday. It gives us the necessary steps to solve those problems and increase student achievement. The purpose of it includes school based curriculum development, professional development, systems planning, school restructuring, and as an evaluative tool. It is a model of professional development that promotes collaborative inquiry, reflection, and dialogue.

Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully, by using the techniques of research. This is done by the following:
• It allows teachers and principals work together on problems
they have identified at their campus.
• It allows teachers and principals become more effective
when encouraged to examine and assess their
own work and then consider ways of working
differently that might be more effective.
• Teachers and principals help each other by
working collaboratively on all problems
• By working with each other helps teachers and
principals in their professional development

There are usually about 5 steps of Action Research, they include:
1. Identification of problem area
2. Collection and organization
of data
3. Interpretation of data
4. Action based on data
5. Reflection

By participating in Action Research and reflection, it allows administrators and teachers to grow and gain confidence in their work at school. Action research projects influence thinking skills, collaborate, willingness to share and communicate among each other, and attitudes toward the process of change. Through action research, administrators and teachers learn about themselves, their students, their own colleagues, and find ways to continually improve. It provides all educators with an opportunity to better understand what happens in their school. As I go through this Research class, I will be able understand how to use Action Research at my school in a more effective manner, to create a positive school environment. It will be an excellent tool for me to use as a future administrator.