What I have learned about action research

In my readings this week, I have learned that action research is the step-by-step investigation of an issue and/or problem that an administrative professional believes needs improvement or change, with the steps carried out in orderly process. 

There are eight steps involved in the action research process, which are meant to be followed in the sequence below:

1. “Setting the Foundation" is identifying the issue on which to base your action research project. 
2. “Analyzing Data" is gathering data (research) and analyzing your initial results. 
3. “Developing Deeper Understanding" is using additional research tools to gain further understanding of the issue. 
4. “Engage in Self-Reflection" involves the practitioner asking questions of himself or herself about the potential solutions to the issue. 
5. “Exploring Programmatic Patterns” involves further research of potential solutions, including soliciting outside opinions of peers and supervisors.  
6. “Determining Direction” is finalizing the plan for the action research, such as timelines, methods of monitoring, and guidelines for revision. 
7. “Taking Action for School Improvement” is implementation of the action research project, with formative and summative evaluation of the results. 
8. “Sustain Improvement” is examining the ways that the improvements implemented through the action research plan can be maintained and improved.

Action research is accomplished from an “insider” approach; this is initiated and performed by the administrative professional himself or herself.  In this it differs from traditional educational research, which is initiated and performed from an “outsider” approach, an expert in the education field, “almost exclusively university researchers.” (Dana, 2009, p. 7)  In contrast, action research is a personalized approach, with the research gathered from actual educational practice and, as such, it produces more commitment in the participants.  

I can foresee many uses of this process in my practice as a community college instructor as this will help me to focus on the main issues that need change or improvement, develop an effective plan for change implementation, and maintain the changes or improve these as needed based on additional research. 

References

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

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., & Combs, J. (2009). Examining what we do to improve our schools: 9 steps from analysis to action. Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.