Action Research

Action Research

Action research is the process in which teachers or principals examine their educational practice in a systematic way using research techniques in a methodological and structured way.
It is based on the following assumptions:
• Teachers and principals work best on problems they have identified for themselves
• Teachers and principals become more effective when encouraged to examine and assess their
own work and then consider ways of working differently
• Teachers and principals help each other by working collaboratively
• Working with colleagues helps teachers and principals in their professional development Although there are many types of research that may be undertaken, action research specifically refers to a disciplined inquiry done by a teacher with the intent that the research will inform and change his or her practices in the future. This research is carried out within the context of the teacher’s environment that is, with the students and at the school in which the teacher works on questions that deal with educational matters at hand.
(Watts, H. 1985, When teachers are researchers, teaching improves. Journal of Staff Development, 6 (2), 118-127.

There are many types of research that may be undertaken, action research specifically refers to a disciplined inquiry done by a teacher with the intent that the research will inform and change his or her practices in the future. This research is carried out within the context of the teacher’s environment, with the students and at the school in which the teacher works on questions that deal with educational matters.
There is a school of thought in this field that calls for greater professionalization that is teachers should be constantly researching and educating themselves about their area of expertise.
Action research is the idea that teachers will begin a cycle of posing questions, gathering data, reflection, and deciding on a course of action. When these decisions begin to change the school environment, a different set of circumstances appears with different problems posed, which require a new look. Indeed, many action research projects are started with a particular problem to solve, whose solution leads into other areas of study. While a teacher may work alone on these studies, it is also common for a number of teachers to collaborate on a problem, as well as enlist support and guidance from administrators, university scholars, and others. At times, whole schools may decide to tackle a school-wide study to address a common issue, or join with others to look at district-wide issues. (Eileen Ferrance, 2000, Action Research, Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory At Brown University, p. 15-25)

How educational leaders might use blogs.

It can be used as a tool to gather opinion from other teachers and help in the research project. Blogs break the barriers of time and distance, making rich the collaboration at different levels of the research. People will be able to collaborate and be updated with the results and post their opinion. With blogs you can seek advice and opinion from different stake holders.