Action Research involves 4 key phases. Phase 1:
Define and issue of study. Phase
2: Review of Professional
Literature. Phase 3: Take Action.
Phase 4: Use and Share
Results. According to Dana (2009) action
research focuses on the administrator’s own practice, rather than focusing on
control or explaining a process. It
differs from other types of research primarily due to the fact that it’s a
reflective approach. A principal may use
action research through university coursework, district meetings, leadership
teams, and professional learning communities (Dana, 2009, pg. 20-21).
Through reading about action research I have come to realize
that I already use the basic structure of it.
It’s common for me to reflect on lessons I teach or problem areas in my
classroom. Rather than review
professional literature, I tend to seek advice from my colleagues and
administration. From there I change the
lesson or process and follow-up by using results in other classes.
I’ve learned the difference is that I now have a better
understanding of what action research is and how it differs from
Process-Product and Qualitative/Interpretive Research (Dana, 2009). I plan to gain a better understanding of
action research through my internship by attending CLT meetings. Once I become an administrator I plan to
continue CLT meetings, as well as PLC’s and district meetings. I think it’s important in today’s educational
setting that we remember to utilize our experts within the school, rather than
using the outside in approach (Dana, 2009).
Reference:
Dana, N.F.
(2009). Leading with passion and knowledge:
The principal as action researcher.
Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin
Press.
Don't forget, too, that some of those traditional research techniques are a part of our action research. We want, also, to look at the outside and bring home what we think we can use or tweak or let inform our own reflections. The experts have their place; they just don't have the last word. I feel like action research just admits that we are the experts in our own twisted little worlds and that it takes their findings, our reflections, the perspectives of our colleagues, and a lot of trial and error with lots of documentation to make things work. Only then can we gather in all of that information and make intelligent and lasting decisions.
ReplyDeleteFarley,
ReplyDeleteI read your comment during week 1 of this course, but I just read it again and glad I did! At the end of the 5th week I feel like I have a much better understanding of action research. Your comment above makes complete sense. Thanks for the post.