What I've learned about Action Research

Through this first week of class I have learned of a type of research that is new to me, Action Research.  While the term “Action Research” is new to me, the process is not.  Action research is “the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry (Dana, 2012).”  This is a process that I believe a lot of teachers use already in the classroom, though probably not enough.  As an administrator, action research can be used to confront numerous issues in the school.  Nancy Dana discuss in her book Leading With Passion and Knowledge (2009) a principal who’s school had not made AYP.  Through action research the principal developed a plan based off of her reflections and after looking over data.  All of her work and reflection by using the Action Research model, allowed her to gain a greater understanding of what to do and how to do it.  A major way I could use Action Research would be in dealing with the freshman at our school.  As one of my administrators stated, “it takes about a year and a half to reprogram them into how things are done here.”  I feel that we could develop an inquiry to address this issue and facilitate a quicker assimilation into the school.  Having the freshman “get into the groove” quicker would improve overall achievement in the school, and could help to limit the students falling behind and playing catch up the rest of their high school career.  Overall, action research is a great tool that should be utilized by administrators to improve themselves and their school.