Action Research & How To Use It

Action research, or administrative inquiry is, according to the Dana text, referring to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative staff and making changes based on what he/she learned as a result of the inquiry. Inquirers or wonders seek out change or a better way to do things through inquiry and reflection, by collecting and anaylzing data, by reading literature and by sharing what they have learned with others. It is based on the theory that you never stop learning, and if you do, then you become stagnant, as does your staff, your students, and your test scores. Action research is used in this way to help everyone in your organization grow and become better at what they do. Whether it be a teacher learning to become better at using math manipulatives, or a student learning to improve their study habits, action research is the facilitator of this improvement. In the Dana text, there are several ways to use action research. First, principals continue to grow, learn, and be the best administrator they can be. A second benefit is that they can be role models by having ownership in the learning process. A third benefit is that engaging yourself in this process of learning as an administrator can help best practices thrive at your campus. Lastly, engaging in the process of action research will force you as an administrator to slow down your pace and really focus on one important topic on your campus that may have been overlooked.



Cited Works

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.

Harris, S., Edmonson, S., and Combs, J. (2009). Examining What We Do To Improve Our Schools: 8 Steps From Analysis To Action. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education.