Action Research, beliefs on what it is, and its usefullness

Action Research by name was relatively new to me as I engaged in the first week of the course; however, once I delved into the texts to learn more about it, I realized I had a familiarity with the topic and process, just had not previously assigned the terminology correctly.

My understanding of Action Research leads me to believe it is a process that promotes discovery through research based practices on topics of concern that directly involves an individual or individuals who are directly involved or connected to the topics of concern. The theme of Action Research is one of constant discovery, evaluation, reflection and analysis that allows for consistent data feedback and directional changes that will lead to a productive solution that will be easily accepted by those directly involved in the project.

Likewise, Action Research is a process that can lead to continued professional growth by those who utilize it as a practice, as it promotes learning and continued exposure to opportunities that will promote growth, making us more effective educational leaders. The process also promotes greater involvement by a wide variety of stakeholders and can contribute to a more positive school climate amoungst educational professionals.

Action Research is tremendously useful in numerous settings, specifically the educational setting, as it can be of great worth in allowing for focused insight into areas of concerns, campus problems, or potential changes of all types. Action Research can address even the simplest of problems, or the most complex, but always keeps "insiders" invovled in the process, rather than those who are not closely connected to the situation, or may be so through an outside source and might not fully understand the complexitities of situatiuons that take place on the "inside".

Through Action Research, we can have a constant process of growth taking place that will lead to improvements of concern areas, as well as lead to better prepared Educational Leaders, that in turn leads to more productive educational environments. It can assist us in performing more effective leadership teams, structuring meaningful professional development initiatives, developing a more complete Campus Improvement Plan, creating a more productive Site Based Decision Making Team, and addressing the general concerns of stakeholders.