Action Research Defined and Uses

Action research is a difficult concept to define.  Action research goes beyond traditional research.  It encourages the administrator to take an active role on campus.  The administrator must identify problems or areas of concern and actively reflect on these areas.  Action research forces the administrator to self-reflect and evaluate decisions made.  Once there is an identified area of concern, the administrator must pose questions or wonderings, conduct research, make changes, and reflect with others.  This is a continuous process of wondering, researching, changing, and reflecting.

Action research is a continuous and cyclical process.  The administrator is constantly reflecting and thinking about leadership and their practice.  Action research has numerous benefits.  The research is campus-driven by professionals who know intimate details about the area of concern.  This type of research is empowering to administrators and faculty alike.  Action research recognizes the importance of administrator and faculty in research.  Traditionally, administration is a lonely job.  However, action research encourages collaboration and forces the administrator out of isolation.  Often times, administrators are forced to react in certain situations.  Administrator inquiry encourages principals to act making positive changes on their campuses.  The goal of action research is to solve campus-based problems or concerns and identify best practices.