Action Research and Its Opportunities

I just discovered a new phenomenon called Action Research.  It's a systematic way of investigating problems, proposing solutions, researching related data, and implementing the results.  It is much better than traditional research in that the researcher is the person who noticed the problem, the person who collects the data and analyzes it, and the person who evaluates the solution.  So the researcher actually uses previous research and data in addition to her/his current data to solve the problem at hand.  The researcher then shares their results.  Since the researcher is actually doing the work, they are more likely to implement the changes.  Also, this method is not a way of researching research.  It actually uses current data AND past research on similar problems, so we are building our data bases.  

One of the major concerns administrators have with Action Research is the amount of time it takes.  Administrators have a lot on their plate; they have every day routines and every day emergencies to attend to.  They solve site problems or supervise school issues or lead staff or community members daily.  Most administrators agree that the only way to effectively conduct Action Research is to build it into their schedule, much like they build an exercise program into their schedule.  

There are four key areas where this may be done.  One is by taking college classes and doing action research with class members.  Another is by breaking into small groups during Superintendents meetings and identifying areas each administrator needs to research, conducting a year long process, and sharing the results at the end of year meeting with other administrators.  A third area is by styling your Leadership Team Meetings in the form of Action Research.  Collaborative groups share issues, suggest solutions, collect data and implement changes.  Lastly, the principal may join a PLC (Professional Learning Community) where they may meet or blog along a preset structure in a limited amount of time and establish collegial relationships while doing so.  

I am excited about this new concept.  It has introduced me to the idea that other teachers have experienced similar problems and have solved them.  I look forward to solving some of my classroom issues using this technique.  The paramount problem I have is apathy.  Sounds like a real money-maker, doesn't it?

I look forward to using this technique as an administrator because it will help me grow professionally.  It will keep me professionally connected with my peers.  It will also let my staff and my administrators observe me modeling what I expect them to do.  Scheduling it into selected meetings like department head meetings, or Safe and Civil meetings will ensure that it gets done one a regular basis.  

I will also use it when I am considering implementing changes to my campus that need to be made only by me, not from a collaborative group.  A well thought out decision usually stands the test of time over a quickly made decision.  Research brings ideas to the front that we may have never thought of before.  

Sounds like a winner.  I look forward to using it in this course and beyond.