The action research process can assist in understanding what
is going on in the classroom and identify changes that can improve teaching and
learning. Action research can help answer questions one might have about the importance
or effectiveness of certain instructional plans and policies, the performance
of the students, and classroom management skills. Action research is not just
finding, collecting, and investigating data on our subjects but ourselves as
well. Through research, we are able to discover the needs of our schools,
students, staff and what can improve for our environment to experience
continued growth and success.
Action research is described as a continual set of spirals
consisting of reflection and action. Each spiral involves clarifying and
diagnosing a practical situation that needs to be improved or a practical
problem that needs to be resolved. Action research also consists of formulating
action strategies for improving the situation or resolving the problem, implementing
the action strategies and evaluating their effectiveness, and clarifying the
situation, resulting in new definitions of problems or areas for improvement,
and so on, to the next spiral of reflection and action.
After reading Dana's, Leading with Passion and Knowledge,
and Harris, Edmonson, and Combs’, Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools;
I’ve come to understand the major importance in conducting action research. It
is not just skimming across the top, floating along and picking up a little
information here and there. It is an in depth, intense study of collected and
analyzed data that will contribute greatly to finding a solution to major issues
and concerns and a gateway to improvements in our schools.
I will definitely take
this opportunity to use action research as a way to take charge of my personal
professional development. As I reflect on my own actions and observe my peers,
I want to draw from the opportunity to identify skills and strategies I would
like to add to my professional status. As I research potential solutions and as
I expose myself to new ideas, I want to recognize the skills, management, and
instructional training needed to make the appropriate changes to improve
myself.
Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion
and Knowledge: The Principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Corwin Press
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