What I Have learned About Action Research

In my EDLD 5301 course through Lamar University, I have been introduced to action research and/or administrative inquiry.  I agree with Nancy Fichtman Dana about the fact that most people think research "involves long hours in the library, crunching numbers."  I have a learned that action research is a different type of research that is becoming increasingly popular.  Before this class, I had not heard about action research.  Elliot describes action research as “a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action.”  In other words, after identifying a problem, develop a solution, try out your solution, and reflect on the result.  Then, make changes based on the results and start the process over.  In short, Action Research provides one with the opportunity to check the effectiveness of the project.  Additionally, Action Research Projects are good tools for Professional Learning Communities.  With PLCs, the groups are small, and the teachers are able to analyze data in order to make improvements collaboratively; everyone learns together.  Being a science teacher, I thought that action research resembles the Scientific Process; the hypothesis you are testing is your potential solution to a problem.  However, if you find that your hypothesis is invalid, you must formulate a new one!