What I've Learned About Action Research And How I Will Use It

I have learned that action research is a valuable tool for teachers and administrators that are committed to improving their school and student achievement. Action research is a systematic approach to problem solving in which a question is posed to address a need, data is collected about strategies to make improvements, the changes are implemented and evaluated for their effectiveness and the effects are shared with the education community. The process promotes collaborative problem solving and leads to a positive collegiality among educators. Action research gives each member of the research team a sense of ownership in the outcome and results in the gaining of essential knowlege needed to make effective change and improve school success. Action research can be used in a variety of educational settings and is most effective when administrators and teachers engage in meaningful dialogue to identify a clear and consise, doable, complex question that relates to the issue. The process of action research provides educators professional development opportunities that will allow them to become life-long learners.