LU-Action Research

Action research is a process for identifying an issue that needs a solution at a particular school. An administrator or faculty member may wonder how to improve specific test scores, gain better consensus among faculty members, provide targeted staff development, or how to institute a change in a multitude of issues that may be faced. The process begins by wondering how to improve the situation. The next step would be to clarify exactly what the objective is to be for the project. Once the goals are clearly established, an action researcher would search through relevant literature for possible solutions. The key point is that in action research as opposed to traditional 3^rd party research is that the goal is to take the readings and develop a plan to improve the specific problem rather than just test one theory. As the action research continues the plan can and should be continually evaluated and revised to make any adjustments necessary to reach the final goal. Once the goal is reached, the researcher would share the results of the research project so others may benefit from the process as well. The entire process is much more reflective than a traditional research program.

Action research would be very beneficial to principals and other school administrators. It would allow them to target a specific problem within their school and look for solutions that would be most effective with their own student population. Another benefit would be the involvement of the other administrators and teachers. As groups take ownership of specific problems they are more likely to work hard to find the solutions. The process would result in better teaching practices as faculty members review research on what may be effective and become more reflective in their teaching by looking to see what individual practices work in their own classrooms. As projects come to a close with problems solved, those involved will share their process and results with their peers resulting in an overall improvement for the campus.

Action research could be beneficial to me as the ESL department chair. There are many students enrolled in the ESL program that are not making as much progress as they should. An action research project to help struggling students learn academic English faster could be of benefit for all of us. Successful results could also benefit other similar schools. An action research project could also be beneficial to find ways to improve the 8^th grade students’ science scores. The scores in that area on my campus have been low and need improvement. An action research project could help isolate the issues students are experiencing and guide the faculty members to finding ways to address those issues.

Blogs can be beneficial to principals as they embark on action research projects. By blogging, a principal can clarify their thoughts and reasons for a particular project. They can have a forum to discuss what is and is not working while the project is still underway. A blog also allows the principal an opportunity to reach a much larger audience that could include district staff, parents, students, and other principals as well as the faculty on their own campus. A blog would allow others to make constructive comments and offer suggestions for issues the principal faces. A blog can be a powerful tool to promote the school and its programs across the community. Blogs can help clarify, create a tangible record of progress on an issue and create a sense of empowerment and pride as projects are successfully concluded.