Author Nancy Dana gives a formal definition of action research which states, “Administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of inquiry.” These professionals seek the change they hope to see and develop a system of the scientific method for following through. As a result, they gain a deeper understanding as leaders into their practice and are able to promote school improvement. Administrative research promotes ongoing professional development for administrators to grow.
Traditional Educational Research differs from that of Action Research. Traditional Educational Research allows outside experts and researchers to depict findings for improvement. These researchers are often foreign to the issues within schools and classrooms. Their focus is to predict, control, and explain a process or phenomenon. Action research, on the other hand, focuses on the concerns of the practitioners. It promotes collaboration in investigating problems as they play a part by answering their own questions. Action research focuses on providing insight into administrative practices in efforts to improve or make a difference.
There are several benefits of action research. Action research allows for change by creating a focus on a particular need. Furthermore, it can be used for various measures such as evaluation, curriculum development, ongoing professional development, and planning. This research allows professionals to collaborate, become researchers, and life-long learners. Professionals are allowed to take action of what is going on directly in their schools and district. This type of research is not run by outsiders who are foreign to day to day school interactions. Action research helps improve the teaching and learning process. Administrators, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to engage in the inquiry process of posing questions, researching data, testing, and evaluating.
How I might be able to use it?
Action research is very important in promoting my life-long professional development. I can use it in my evaluation of faculty and staff performance, level of parental involvement, as well as helping to improve student needs. There are various ways to collect data such as through surveys, logs of meetings, interviews, case studies, records, and checklists. After collecting my data then I will be able to interpret the data, take action, and then reflect on the evaluation.
How educational leaders might use blogs?
Dana states it well when she says, "Unlike a journal as a form of data collection, the principal researcher who blogs can combine text, images, and links to other blogs as well as post comments in an interactive format." Data collection is very valuable in the process of action research. Leaders can use blogs to network and gain insight on some of the best practices. Furthermore, feedback is vital in gaining knowledge and educators are able to do this as they network and research. This process of online posting of questions and responses opens up the door for collaboration and support.
References
Fichman, Nancy Dana (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The
principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
Eileen Ferrance. Action Research. Themes in Education. February 28, 2012. From http://www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/themes_ed/act_research.pdf.
