What I have learned about action research…
An effective educational leader recognizes the value of
reflection as a means by which to sort through the rigors of daily work and
address critical issues facing the academic progress and success of the student
population. Reflection acts to jump start a path of change by allowing the leader to consider personal beliefs,
practices, strengths and weaknesses; campus culture; staff training; and
student need within the scope of a targeted area. The leader then uses this information to begin the process of
collaborative efforts to further define the issues at hand. Action research takes this personalized
reflective practice and collaborative discussion and combines it with current
research (literature reviews), relevant data collection and analysis, and leads
the researchers to form new opinions and platforms that initiate change. Action research is a highly personalized
process motivated by circumstance, environment, ineffectiveness, and sometimes
frustration. While a valuable method of
furthering personal professional development, it is a successful approach to
encouraging team cohesiveness; developing staff awareness; and creating common
goals. In addition, the process lends
itself to fostering leadership traits in the campus staff where members become
role models to each other and the students they serve.
Action research is becoming a significant approach for faculty and school leaders to track continuous school improvement.
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