What I've Learned about Action Research...So Far

Action research, also called administrative inquiry, is research that intends to bring about some kind of change.  The appealing and interesting thing about this kind of research is that it is done by "real" people in "real" situations and it provides"real" solutions.  It is not a researcher, perhaps in a university setting, identifying problems and suggesting solutions.  Under that scenario, the solutions don't usually seem very do-able or practical.  It can be difficult to get teachers to "buy-in" to these ideas that seem so far removed from reality.  Hence the beauty of action research!  Action research begins with a question or curiosity stemming from a situation in your own school building.  Relevant literature helps provide a framework that allows you to draw upon what has worked in other places.  The research is conducted on your campus where the information collected means something personal.    Action research provides educators with an opportunity to investigate a problem or wondering, reflect on the findings, and enact purposeful and intentional changes for the betterment of the entire school.  The changes are not made based on theory or opinion, but on systematic and disciplined research and reflection.   Ultimately, action research can become a standard mode of operation for school improvement.  I can definitely see myself using this as an administrator to acquire more knowledge about learning issues, best practices, staff development, and campus culture.