Action Research

I have learned that action research is a valuable tool for educators and educational leaders. It is the process often used in learning communities, for example where teachers seek to determine an issue students are having in learning a skill, and find ways to help them using different teaching methods or materials. This was an important tie-in for my understanding since I have learned about learning communities in prior classes. It is also easy to identify with this use, as I can instantly think of many issues during the last school year where this type of research would have been incredibly beneficial. I plan to use it to improve my math instruction this coming school year. I have wanted to research some different methods of teaching first graders basic math concepts such as ordering numbers.

It is much different from traditional educational research, as it involves actual decision making by those most closely affected by the outcome. When I originally read 'research' I immediately imagined a research project resulting in a research paper. Rather, action research is the process of determining an issue, researching ideas, implementing a change and monitoring the effect it has. Then the process can continue as ideas are tried, and data is measured. I also found it interesting that though literature is often used, what an expert says is not the conclusion. Actual measurable improvement in student achievement is the ultimate goal. In addition to teachers, it can be used by leadership teams, administrative teams, and individuals.