What I Have Learned About Action Research.....

Action Research is the new and improved way of conducting traditional research.  Although action research may be time consuming it has proved to be more beneficial for students.  Professionals work collaboratively and develop a plan to improve student learning and success.  As this plan is implemented there is constant reflection about if professionals are seeing growth among the students or if the plan needs to be modified to meet students’ needs.  When conducting action research there are four main steps to guide you.  First, define an issue to study; second, review professional literature; third, take action; and fourth, use and share results (Ringler, M. 2007. p 30).  When conducting action research you find an issue with students and many professionals work as a team to help improve student learning.  With action research you are involved with the whole process and continually learning and adapting to what works best for the students.  Working collaboratively helps all angles of the issue to be seen and lets discussion occur and lead to new solutions that would not normally happen if the research was done individually.  I believe action research is a positive direction for professionals to take when looking at issue that their campus is focusing on.  It will help bring professionals together instead of feeling alone and overwhelmed.  Action research is time consuming but the end result of success outweighs the planning time.