Action Research and Uses

Administrative action research is the systematic process of looking at a problem, concern or issue in an administrator’s practice or school.  Through action research he/she is able to self evaluate issues and develop a plan to change the outcome.  The process of action research includes addressing the problem, collecting and analyzing data, collaborating with colleagues, exploring patterns and developing a plan.  When a plan is in place implementation can begin.  Throughout implementation it is very important to evaluate and monitor progress with regularly planned checkpoints.  The final step of sustaining the plan will begin once the desired results are met.  Throughout this entire process the administrator will monitor and evaluate progress to make sure the process is still on track to reach the final goal.  Action research is a process that can be utilized anytime depending on the issue at hand.  Becoming a leader who uses action research regularly will discover a better awareness of his/her personal daily activities and school wide concerns.  This process of administrative action research allows professional growth as a leader, school, district and community.  Continuing this practice of action research will allow constant growth and awareness of problems or concerns before they become huge issues.  The overall idea is to continually look into how you are performing and what outcomes you are getting. 

 

Action research can be used on a number of different issues or concerns. My supervisor used action research this past school year to evaluate the efficacy of an instructional resource.  I could see administrators using it to look at programs geared toward raising academic performance, examine interventions for discipline issues, investigate improving student motivation, improve parent involvement by gathering data on strategies implemented, and increase school morale through strategic goals, to name a few.