Action Research

Action research is a cyclical process of seeking out information and using reflection to gain insight into ones position. Specifically in education, action research can be used by administrators and teachers in leadership teams, district meetings, and/or professional learning communities. Action research is conducted by posing questions and collecting data. This data can be reflected upon by the individual or by the group as a whole. The purpose of the inquiry is to improve the way issues are addressed and the way problems are solved on a campus. Action research differs from traditional research methods in that it the individual is actually reflecting upon their actions and gaining insight from others. Traditional research methods do not require any action or reflection from the audience. Action research allows issues specific to the party involved to be addressed rather than just one broader issue covered by many.

I believe action research has many uses, but I think it can be used as a very useful tool on my campus during teacher in-service. My campus normally conducts our in-service sessions by providing a power point and lecturer on a specific topic. If we conducted action research instead, the audience would be actively involved in the process of school improvement.