Action Research

From the first week of class I have learned that first of all I would consider some things I have done in the past to be action research. These previous examples include my coaching, raising my kids and growing in my marriage. However, I haven't conducted any action research as it would pertain to the role of an administrator. Through experience in this program I have begun to learn the roles, responsibilities and requirements of an administrator.

Action research will allow me to intentionally examine past decisions, policies and performances in order to make changes for the better. Action research will use data and anecdotal evidence to facilitate these changes.

I think the key to successful action research is to be intentional. By being intentional we can be sure direct our research and the information that we gather toward the proposed area of study and improvement. Without the element of intentionality, we have the chance to conduct great inquiry but deliver the answer to a question we weren't asking. Traditional research is typically given to use to find the answer for someone else or as a means to gain experience in acquiring information. But action research has a goal in the end of improving some practice that is already in existence.

I think the topic of research for most people has a negative connetation of simply finding information that other people have already identified. But when used for action research, this information will have another purpose which is to learn what has already happened and have the vision and insight to make improvements upon the past.