Action Research

Action research takes the outsider that knows nothing about the everyday educational practices. It instead uses teachers and administrators as the researchers that use theories and knowledge that are grounded from normal everyday educational practices.

Teachers and administrators collaborate to define and solve problems that they identify within their school. Because they actually participate in the research they are more likely to move toward change based on what their research tells them.

Action research is done because their needs to be change. Research is done because someone wants to study or find something out but they aren't necessarily working toward change. It is not a clinical research to be placed on a shelf for someone to read. It is a tool to use to find out what is broke and needs to be changed in order for teachers and administrators to be more effective. It allows then to reflect on what they have been doing and make changes that they see needs to be made.

I will use this process to see where improvements and changes need to be made. I feel that by allowing teachers to be part of the solution and not just a problem they will be open to this type of self reflection. I also feel that when we ask the people that are affected by what we do we get a better picture on what we need to change and or improve. I like it when I know what I can to do improve. Looking at a book or a report does not motivate me to promote change. On the other hand looking at data that is a direct reflection of what we are doing and how we can do it better does motivate me to move toward change.