As I begin my study of Action Research, I feel it is important to stop and reflect upon what I have learned so far. For a brief definition, Dana (2009) tells us that action research is a process which is “intended to bring about change” (p. 6). In my own words, action research, or action inquiry, provides a framework for educators to reflect upon their own practice, ask a question, design a study, collect and analyze data and reflect on the results. The goal is to have an evidence based change to implement which fixes the problem or issue which prompted the original question. What I have found most interesting about action research is that it is performed from the inside. In the action research process, educational leaders pose a question that is directly affecting their students at their campus. This allows the research and the outcome to be detailed and focused to a particular population. The engagement at the campus level also helps to ensure that the change resulting from the research outcome will be implemented with little to no resistance from faculty and staff (Dana, 2009, p. 5). I hope to implement the action research process during my educational administration internship. For my action research project, I plan to focus on the use of data collection and analysis to drive instructional alignment and instructional practices for increased achievement on state assessments.
Does your school have PLCs? I like your idea, and would incorporate it within the PLCs...maybe even your own? You might pose an actual question to your PLC about data (like raising scores in a particular area) and have them do an action research project, and then follow and document that.
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