Action research is unlike traditional research in many ways. Traditional research typically comes from researchers outside of the school building. They have a specific agenda such as implementing new curriculum. This agenda may or may not be pertinent to what your school needs. Administrators are expected to follow the directions given without much input of their own. Action research begins with a "wondering" from the administrator herself. One way to ensure commitment and consistent effort to the research project is to formulate your study around something you must do anyway. The administrator sees an issue on her campus and proceeds in a systematical and intentional study. This study includes the collection of data, data analysis, reading relevant literature, making changes as needed, and sharing new information. Key components to a good action research question are clarity, and conciseness. The plan must also be "doable." Action research is a process which requires reflection. Reflection is essential when determining what is working and what is not. Action research is a work in progress so to speak. Action research can be done in different educational settings. These settings include university coursework, superintendent or district meetings, leadership teams, and professional learning communities. The time for such a project must be planned and consistent for positive results. Although such research must be intentionally constructed and constantly reworked it is vital to the professional health of the educator.
Educational leaders can use blogs to stay connected to one another. These blogs can be used as public foruums to initiate dialogue among educators with the same interests. Blogs provide an arena for collaboration between a wide variety of individuals and can be used to share ideas, thoughts, and "wonderings".
Very good analysis of comparing traditional and action research. You made me understand it quite a bit better. You made good points on how educators can benefit from blogging. Communicating with other educators was one of my big things as well.
ReplyDeleteThe two things that I like most about action research that you mentioned were the fact that it is done in-house and that the plan should be do-able. Being clear and concise and limiting our wondering is a big part of making sure that we are not trying to cover too much with our research. That will just lead to lots of work with fewer resolutions.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I really like the fact that you wrote that the plan must be doable. This is so true because if you start making plans without looking whether it is possible to attain the goal using that method then everyone will be frustrated in the end.
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