What is Action Research, Anyway?

I've learned that action research is a powerful tool that individuals can use to collectively and collaboratively reflect on changes and improvements that need to be made within an organization. It is “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, 2009)

It can improve the way issues are addressed and how problems are solved. Action research allows room for you to work with others as you strive toward a common goal. It's an interactive way of improving your practice and professionalism. You may want to change your way of leading or your way of doing things. Action research makes this possible and ensures that your new initiatives are effective. It offers ways of gathering and sorting out information, which leads to implementing practical and logical changes for the organization.

Action research is a commitment and requires the researcher to set aside time for research and reflection. The researcher must carefully monitor to make sure that what has been planned actually works. If it’s not working, they can always go back and modify their action plan. To ensure a successful research plan, the researcher must define the problem, research the problem, ask for help from those directly involved, create a plan to solve the problem, act on the plan, and then reflect on the outcomes. After all of this, the researcher should make the necessary changes that will benefit the organization and its stakeholders.

Reference: Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.