Action Research and How I can use it

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. This is nothing new to me. As a football coach, I do action research all the time, but now I have a term to call it.

There are a number of ways action research leads to school improvement, as well as professional educator improvement. A list of possible action research endeavors by specific stakeholder follows:

1. Action research allows teachers to investigate issues related to student achievement, classroom management, students with special needs, and motivation.

2. Action research provides media specialists a way to increase interest in reading, utilization of the media center, use of technology for student and teacher research, and collaboration in developing lessons and lesson planning.

3. Action research allows coaches ways to examine and increase their skills in sports, evaluate the effectiveness of their coaching styles, increase persistence and perseverance, and include students with special needs in athletics.

4. Action research enables counselors to study the usefulness of counseling programs such as character education, bullying presentations, student advisement, and career counseling. Additionally, counselors may want to investigate ways to identify students who need advocates, and ways for more effective communication with teachers, students and parents.

5. Action research provides a means for principals to conduct their own school improvement studies related to school climate, professional development, school-community relations, working with parents, curricular programs, student achievement, attendance, and discipline.

6. Action research provides a means for district administrators to focus on issues related to training and induction of new school administrators, teacher and administrator recruitment, attrition, student achievement, curriculum reform, and budget issues.