What I Know About Action Research

I was interested in the comparisons the Dana text provided on the different types of educational research. I must admit I was one who viewed research by the traditional definition and most of my experience with "research-based" practices has come from those traditional methods. I discovered that I am also somewhat familiar with action research although I had not heard the term as it has been defined. I am starting to understand not only the importance of action research for a campus because it is specific to the concerns or problems of a campus, but the process is also not overwhelming in the way I view traditional research.

On our campus, we have been thinking a lot about teaching and learning, questioning practices, and reflecting on our data. From the reading, I have learned that some of what we have been doing is a form of action research in that we are addressing concerns on our campus and studying and reflecting a data from many sources. I expect with this new learning, our action research will now be more systematic as it is defined in the reading(Dana, 2009). I am encouraged to know that we have some foundational knowledge of this method. In addition, the information on using action research to maintain focus on teaching and learning will be valuable for me as an administrator. Throughout my coursework, I continually get the "there is way too much to do as a principal" feeling. Developing action research plans and establishing a set time each week for this will help to maintain that focus.