Description of Action Research

Action research is an amazing way for educators to receive professional development that is relevant for them. Action research has many benefits and is more engaging than the traditional professional development. The traditional model for professional development has educators sitting in chairs listening to a speaker for hours. The educators usually leave with some new knowledge that may or may not be implemented in the classroom. Action research allows educators to pose questions for problems that they are having on their campus. This makes it relevant to the educator immediately. The educator then has the opportunity to research a solution and utilize data to support their solution. This leads educators to utilize "best practices" on their campuses. The process also gives the educator the opportunity to reflect on their solution as well as check the solution to ensure that it has helped solve the problem and raise student achievement. If the solution has not had an impact or result as the educator has expected, they can then make adjustments to the solution or search for a new idea. This process can and will become a new way for the educator to continue to learn and grow.

Action research is full of benefits that teachers and administrators can draw on to improve their campuses as well as their own lives. One benefit is that it helps to pull the stakeholder out of isolation and collaborate with other colleagues while engaging in action research. Another benefit for administrators is that they become role models for teachers, students, parents, and community members by becoming life-long learners through action research. A third benefit is that your campus will be engaging in "best practices" by performing action research projects. A final benefit for administrators allows them to create more balance in their busy lives. Administrator can get overwhelmed in the day to day items that they have to deal with. Action research allows them time to grow as an educational leader. They have the opportunity to research, learn, and interact with other colleagues. This can help administrator from becoming overwhelmed and frustrated with the day to day operation of their school. Action research can help to rejuvenate them to perform better and make more decisions based on the data.