What I have learned about Action Research

I have learned that in an action research/ inquiry, an administrator questions and gains insights through engaging in a systematic study of his/her own practices. During this process an administrator poses questions, collects data, analyzes, and shares results with his team. Based on the new findings, together they make required changes for the betterment of the organization. Through engagement in inquiry,administrators learn along with teachers and students in their building, and in the process change themselves from being a manager to a ‘head learner’ (Elliot, 1988).  

As administrators we cannot live isolated lives, we need to surround ourselves with other professionals in the building and converse with them about best practices in systematic and meaningful ways. Principals are human too, they should feel a part of their school family and through inquiry,they grow professionally. They don’t need to work alone,they can become collaborators, seek input from the faculty and work together to improve their campuses.

Through engagement in inquiry,administrators can learn along with the teachers and students in the building,  model lifelong learning and instructional leadership. As  principals, we need to be  role models for all employees in the building. According to Roland Barth (1990), “Principals need to be head learners.” Their actions speak louder than what they say.They lead by example.Action research helps them develop solution seeking behaviors.Principals encourage best practices, try different approaches,see what works and what doesn’t.When principals engage in action research,they constantly assess the needs of their students and teachers. Through engaging in inquiry,they examine and research educational practices that will help them change or improve schools.

Principals work at a fast pace,multi-tasking,trying to do to many tasks in the pursuit of school improvement.Engagement in principal inquiry forces them to slow down and devote sustained attention to one issue or problem. They need to take some time from their busy schedules to interact with students, teachers, and staff. It also enables them to become proactive rather than reactive.

Action research is intended to bring about change with a social justice focus and we as practitioners can be the engines.