What is action research and how might I use it?

Action research is the process by which an educational leader studies one’s own practice by asking a question, exploring existing research relating to that question, interpreting the findings, applying what was learned, reflecting on the change, and starting the process all over again. “Elliot (1988) describes action research as a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action.” Action research is a very influential tool for “learning and reform” and is intended to bring about some form of change. Action research unlike traditional research is conducted and used by the one that actually conducts the research which results in that research actually being implemented.

Educational leaders can use action research in many ways but I see myself using it in three ways; district-wide meetings, campus leadership teams, and professional learning communities. Some districts are replacing their traditional, non-productive meetings with action research by allowing their administration to cooperatively work on current district problems through action research instead of traditional methods. Secondly, leaders are forming leadership teams on their campuses to tackle campus problems through action research. Lastly, professional learning communities are formed by combining several campuses or districts into one collaboration to study their schools through action research with one’s peers.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.