What is Action Research?

Action research is where a teacher or an administrator takes professional development and allows them to be in charge of their own learning.  An action research can either be on the personal level or at the school improvement level.  An action research makes the person look at their own values as an educator.  They pick topics that interest them for self growth.  For example, the use of technology has become a very important issue in school today.  A person who has little knowledge of technology can choose to improve their knowledge by taking classes and collaborating with others on how technology is or can be used.  At the school improvement level, the person can work with other in collaboration to locate issues that can cause improvement in students work and learning.  The group researches the issue that needs to be resolved, come up with a plan of action, implement that plan, and then evaluate the implementation.  During the evaluation period, they analyze if any improvement has been made.  If there has been improvement, they set up a monitoring period to ensure that any additional adjustments need to be made.  If the desired results are not made, then they make adjustment accordingly.  They cycle continues until the desired results are meet.