What is action research?

Action research is the process by which teachers and administrators dissect how and what they do to promote professional development on a local level with the goal of increasing student achievement.  It is very similar to sending our instructional delivery to the doctor with our symptoms (or data), what is bothering us (wondering), searching for a diagnosis (findings), and getting a prescription.  Action research is easily summarized in one word: inquiry.  As educators, it is important that we always inquire on how to better serve our students and keep an open mind on how to constantly restructure our learning environment and instructional delivery to the benefit of our students.   We must constantly evaluate our performance to find areas in which we need to improve to provide the best educational experience for all stakeholders.  It is important to be very knowledgeable about current trends and research on instructional strategies that can be adapted to fit the circumstances in each individual classroom.  Action research is vital tool in the implantation of any change in a classroom or on a campus.  We must always be aware of what we are expected and required to have our students accomplish and be proactive in finding the best ways to make sure we are meeting the educational needs of our students while growing professionally.

Educational leaders can use blogs to share concerns of how we are expected to meet state and national standards and include ideas and practices being utilized on our respective campuses.  We can give feedback on how similar ideas have been successful or unsuccessful on our campuses with other leaders so that they may be able to adapt ideas into something that might work on their campus.