5301- What I Have Learned About Action Research:

5301- What I Have Learned About Action Research:

             From the readings this week, I have learned that action research is far different than traditional educational research.  When I enrolled in this class, I believed I would be involved in researching and writing yet another paper for learning purposes only. I have learned that action research is different in that the researcher actually adds to the end product. In action research, the researcher poses a question, collects data, analyzes the data, and then develops a plan to use the data to make a change relevant to their lives.  Action research is cyclic in nature, because the action produces more data to study. This new data must be analyzed to find out if the action taken worked and what corrections need to be made.  In a sense action research is never ending!

            I see action research as a useful tool in education.  Teachers could use action research to find information on best teaching practices and monitor what techniques produce results.  As an English teacher with an interest in technology, I would like to research how to increase interest in learning grammar through computerized games. Principals may work with teachers, fellow principals, and superintendants to address problems on their campuses and within their districts.  Teacher and student motivation, test scores, discipline, and budget concerns are just a few areas principals could use action research to improve schools.  Almost every aspect of education is suitable for action research.