What is Action Research?

Action Research is a tool used to push educational professionals such as Principals to improve their campuses. Principals are forced to look at the weaknesses of their school. The weakness may be in curriculum, improving student test scores, faculty motivation, parent involvement, extracurricular activities, etc. I believe that Action Research is a way for principals to step out of his/her comfort zone and look at their campus from the inside out. Action Research is a collaboration of different aspects added to find a solution to the weakness or problem. A collaboration of data research, surveys from students, faculty and parents along with blogging and sharing ideas with colleagues. One of the most important aspects of Action Research is that it provides growth. The only way to grow as an individual is to be able to think outside the box. The education field is an area of constant change. A change in curriculum, testing standards, socio-economics, parental involvement and student commitment to an education. Principals must look at all these aspects to see what areas need improvement so that all students and faculty are pushed to a higher standard. As a teacher and coach of 14 years, I am always looking to improve my coaching style and strategies. I must adapt to our athletes athletic ability, strength of schedule, offseason program and practice schedule to see if our program is improving. I am constantly asking myself. "What can I do better or differently?" The same goes of Action Research. The principal of a school must ask himself/herself the same question. "What can I do better or differently to improve our school and school district?" Through Action Research, that question can be answered. You not only come up with your Action Research but you use professional literature and collaboration to find the answer or come up with an action plan. Action Research is a great avenue to improve your weaknesses and make them your strengths.