My Action Research view

Action research is inquiry or research in the context of focused efforts to improve the quality of an organization and its performance. It is designed to analyze the findings to improve your own practice. Action research can be done by individuals or by teams of participants.

Action research has the potential to generate real improvements in schools. It gives educators new opportunities to reflect on and assess their teaching and other things. It enables us to explore and test new ideas, methods, and materials. With this type of research we are able to assess how effective the new findings are and if they are effective.  It enables us to share feedback with fellow team members; and to make decisions about which new approaches to include in the team's curriculum, instruction, and assessment plans. Some of the most important advantages of action research are teachers and principals work on problems they have identified for themselves and they work collaboratively. Also, teachers and principals become more effective when encouraged to examine and assess their own work. Working with colleagues also helps teachers and principals in their professional development. Action research can revitalize the entire learning community, as well as help teachers change or reflect on their classroom practices. It can support initiatives by individual teachers, schools, and districts. In addition, more than one type of action research can be used in a given setting at the same time.