Action Research 101! (Description)

Action Research? What is THIS you might as yourself? How does it pertain to me? Other than just defining the term I would like to help you internalize this concept and process how it can make a difference in your educational setting.  Action research is not just an informal observation conducted from an outside source that dictates and questions your every move.  No, on the contrary, action research is the direct involvment of you and other practicioners in the development, analysis, and implementation of solutions to pressing concerns at your school.  There is definitely not one way to solving a problem, as there is not one exact school environment from another.  Even within the same school district, each campus has its own educational setting and culture that should be embraced not altered by an outsider.  Thus, a practioner, such as the schools instructional leaders, teachers, administrators, and pricipal play an important role in the research and implementation.  Action research is as simple as defining an issue to study, reviewing professional literature, taking action, and using and sharing results. (Ringler, 2007) So, is this just another fad that will eventually die out and never have a true impact in our schools? Absolutely not! Action Research is just the improvement of self-reflection and improvement in our schools and communities.  This is the pivoting point where we all participate in the improvement and success of our educational setting for years to come!