ACTION RESEARCH

As educators we are always challenged by change. We are taught and sometimes forced to analyze our practices and to think critically about our programs, curriculum, disciplinary techniques, etc. Action research is a way in which to do that. This type research calls for the researcher, or in my case, the administrator to examine these elements while they are going on. Action research often includes collaboration with others in the field, often concerning the same subject. Real life experiences are at the heart of this research. We not only analyze what we are doing through action research, but also why we are doing something. With action research we can make informed decisions rather than intuitive ones. Data collection of our own coupled with the data from our peers helps in making these informed decisions. This type research is not a one-size-fits-all way of looking at education. Action research allows the researcher to apply what has been learned to his or her stakeholders in a way that may only be appropriate for them. I look forward to applying action research throughout the remainder of my superintendent coursework.