Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Action Research - What is it and how can I use it?

According to Nancy Fichtman Dana (2009), administrative inquiry or action research “refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry” (p. 2).  Through this inquiry, administrators will review the facts on the topic, ask questions of all involved, and continue to seek out information to fully complete the research (Harris et al., 2009, p. 5).  This system of investigation is adapted from teacher action research, both of which are intended as a tool to advance professional development for the individual and improve the educational process at the studied school.  As a result of administrative inquiry, the administrator should better understand his/her position and how he/she fits in as a leader in the efforts to improve the school.
     
Action research in schools can be used in many different ways, all of which should be designed to improve instruction when concentrating on student achievement (Ringler, 2007, p. 36).  I will be able to use administrative inquiry to improve the productivity in my classroom.  Through implementing research plans, I will have the ability to validate my current teaching practices, change the methods that need changed, and enhance student learning through improved methods of communicating information.  Through action research, my hope is to build upon what I already do in my classroom to provide an even better environment and way of teaching that benefits all of my students.


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 imrove our   
            schools: 8 steps from analysis to action.  Larchmont, N.Y.: Eye on Education.


Ringler, M. (2007).  Action Research an Effective Instructional Leadership Skill for Future
            Public School Leaders.  AASA Journal of Scholarship & Practice, 4 (1), 27-42.

2 comments:

  1. Robert,
    I agree with your comments about using research plans to improve on what you already do in the classroom, change what needs to be changed and enhancing student learning. I feel that we always have room for improvement eventhough we are successful in what we do. Action research just validates us even more.

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  2. That's a really great plan, Robert. We're learning so much about what to do when we become administration, but we can't forget to put what we're learning into play right now in our classrooms. There are so many different aspects of education that need to be tweaked in our nation.

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