Action Research: What I Learned

I have heard the term “action research” before, but I now have a much clearer picture of how this process works.  Action research is an inquiry tool, used mainly in an educational setting, which systematically engages the participant in making strategic changes.  The inquiry takes place with a group of teachers and principals and focuses on a specific, rather than general, topic.  This type of action is more effective than traditional research because the participants identify their own problems and are asked to assess their own practices.  Then they formulate strategies to improve their practice and share these ideas with others.  This type of activity has the potential to create meaningful collaboration within the schools’ staff and learning communities.  It can also bring great improvements to the educational process.  I have always viewed research in the traditional since, not realizing how beneficial conducting inquiry based research about your own practices could be.  By investing in a personal concern, motivation will play a greater part in the effectiveness of the research and implementation of the improvements being made.  Action research can potentially play an important role in assisting educators and leaders in creating unique opportunities for student learning and school improvement.  These opportunities cannot be provided by traditional forms of research and resolution strategies.  

As a special education teacher and future leader in a district with Title 1 schools, there are many ways I could use action research for areas of needed improvement.  Some areas that interest me are student motivation, discipline, inclusion and co-teaching, effects of poverty and learning, and student underachievement.   I will use action research to model the role of a” life-long learner in an ever changing global society,” as stated in our mission statement.