In the beginning.... there was traditional research...

And then came ACTION research.

My blog is titled "Amy's Awesome Adventures with Action Research", because it is just that. An adventure. Before I started this class, I had only heard of action research, but really didn't understand what it was and what it involved. So, my fellow students, I am now starting this awesome adventure of learning and applying action research.

When I first heard the word 'research', I cringed. I just assumed that this was another traditional research project that entailed looking up different studies, and regurgitating the results. I was surprised to learn that action research was far from this. Action research is posing a question about an issue (that is of interest to ME), collecting and analyzing the data pertaining to that question, and implementing changes. Action research involves self-learning. During action research, the practitioner is researching their own problems and issues, practicing self-learning, and applying ‘real world’ application of results.

Action research allows principals and teachers to identify issues that are relevant to their campus, and focus on implementing changes based on data collected within THEIR campus. All data collected is current, happening NOW, and pertaining to the district's demographics. It (action research) allows principals to guide staff development and help teachers become self-learners. Principals can encourage grade levels to implement their own topics for action research that would help benefit THEM. Action research is also beneficial to the Campus Improvement Team in allowing goals to be written based on action research results.