What I Have Learned

Action research is a tool for teachers and administrators that actively engages them in the research process. Through action research, practitioners are able to find insights into current practices and reflect on their own practices to make improvements at the campus or district level. Action research "focuses on the concerns of practitioners (not outside researchers)," or experts, (Dana, 2009). This is how it differs from traditional research models. Traditional research models rely on information from universities or outside experts that have done the learning for you. Action research is based on the idea of inquiry. "Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or "wonderings," collecting data to gain insights into their wonderings, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others," (Dana, 2009). Action research follows the guidelines for professional development for principals. Reflection is important for administrators to grow in their practice. It is suggested that administrators find time for inquiry and reflection daily. By doing so, principals become less stressed and have more energy to face the daily demands of principalship. Some benefits of action research include increasing collaboration between principals and colleagues, creating role models for teachers and students on campus, helping best practices flourish on campus, and by slowing down the frantic pace of principal's daily activities.

Dana, N. F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks: Corwin.