Action Research

I have learned quite a bit about action research through this week's readings. Action research is a powerful way to tackle pressing school issues in an individual way. No schools are created equal, and individual factors must be considered to determine the best course of action to take to achieve school improvement. Administrative inquiry or action research is an excellent way to address any problem within the school environment. By utilizng relevant teachers and other school staff, action research allows the very individuals familiar with the problem to help determine the best solution. With this model comes several benefits. First of all, the staff members are able to take ownership of the process to find a solution. Because they are part of the solution they will fully implement it at the end of the action research process. Additionally, a sense of teamwork and camaraderie will emerge from participating in this process, an important trait for a successful school.


Through what I have learned about action research, I can clearly see a use for it in the new position I have recently taken Starting this fall, I will be moving from the classroom to an Instructional Technology Specialist position that works with two campuses. This new position charges me with the responsibility to increase technology integration to support curriculum objectives. Technology is not integrated as seamlessly or frequently as it should be, especially with our digital native students expecting to use technology to learn. Action research is an ideal way for me to investigate the reasons that technology is not utilized as often as it could be. By addressing the concerns revealed through action research process, I will more easily be able to address them in an efficient and successful way.