About Action Research

Action research is a valuable tool for today’s educators. Don’t let the term “research” frighten you away. This is not the research we all grew up dredging… log stays in the library trying to prove what we already know… It never made since to me to have to find where “somebody” said it in writing for it to be usable in a paper. There are just some givens in a profession – like being aware of trends such as inclusion. Action research does not involve all that formal “stuff” that is separate and sterile from the educational environment. Unlike formal research which is conducted somewhat form a distance – meaning the researcher is not connected to the research setting – action research is very connected.We have all endured in-service presentations, had the “latest and greatest” fostered upon us… and learned the hard way that just because it worked in some other place and someone proved it in a paper does not mean it is the gospel for our campus and our students. This is where action research proves itself to be invaluable. Action research is real research – that is it involves reviewing relevant literature and collecting data. What separates it from the formal research we are accustomed to is its connection to real situations taking place on your campus. Simply, action research involves an educational leader (teacher, administrator) taking a close look at a specific problem or concern within a school, reviewing relevant literature, and trying to find a solution relevant to the situation. While this is an involved process, it is worth the effort for today’s educational leaders. The best part is action research can be used to address concerns before they grow into major problems. It can be employed as a proactive approach to running a school instead of the traditional reactive approach to problems.