What is Action Research and How Can It Be Used Practically?

Action research is a valuable tool for modern educators in which a teacher or administrator takes time for critical reflection of their own practice as an educator and the strengths and weaknesses of their school. This can be counter-intuitive for many educators. All too often, we are encouraged only to focus on good public relations, singing the praises of our teachers and students, making the community aware of the achievements and awards that our school has earned. It is right for us to celebrate such accomplishments but we do ourselves a disservice if we do not take the time for honest reflection and develop constructive criticisms for our learning institutions. We should constantly be striving to improve the educational experience for our students. Action research allows us to do that through a series of systematic inquiries.

Administrators and/or teachers determine the area that will be worked on for a specific period of time (usually an academic year) instead of relying on outsiders in the world of academia to determine the latest trends and educational approaches. Action research is more personal because an administrator or teacher reflects upon the workings of a school and pinpoints an area that needs improvement and develops a plan of action. This can be done in a number of ways but most effectively, it will be done through collaboration with stakeholders including students, parents, teachers and other community members. By working together to form a new shared vision, these stakeholders will invest in changes to improve their school. What a meaningful investment to make towards our children's education. This is much more practical than simply swallowing whatever pre-packaged approach an academic professional has prepared.

Although there is a great deal of time and work that goes into action research, the ability to focus on a school's individual needs and consider practically that school's specific resources (albeit money, staff strength, locale, etc.)  brings the potential for outstanding personalized results. It is my intention over the course of my 18 month administrative internship to be honest and constructive in my observations and assessments of Guyer High School in order to begin implementing changes that will have a meaningful positive impact on it's staff and students.

Guyer High School has a great many outstanding qualities but certainly has room for improvement in a variety of areas. My first task will be to participate in focused reflection to determine several areas that my need improvement. I will then work with my site supervisor and other campus administrators to determine how I may best benefit our school through leading a professional learning community in an action research project.