Action research is used to improve a school or district by finding multiple solutions to specific issues. The research and conclusions are made by those that are closest to the problem. This can include administrators, teachers or other personnel. Traditional research requires that experts pose questions, examine the data, and make general conclusions. These experts are considered “outsiders” because they are not involved in the operations of the school. In fact, many of these experts have never worked in the classroom. The closer you are to a problem, the more you know about it. This knowledge can be put to good use with data that has been collected and analyzed.
On my campus, I will use action research to find solutions to issues that arise. I will work with the leadership team to pose questions about what we can improve. Through this systematic process we will be able to try new strategies that are specific to our situation. The more individuals that you can work on a problem the better the outcome will be. Another great aspect about action research is that with each new strategy you try, more information is gathered and analyzed. This improvement process should be continual.
It is great to hear that your campus has a leadership team. I think that is a great way to conduct inquiry.
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