What is Action Research?

The word research is synonymous for being visualized as countless hours in the library, scanning through microfilms, and researching a list of sites that leads you to creating a boring summary of what you've learned. Action research differs greatly from this! It is a way to use inquiry into one's self and practices and develop a plan that will ensure life-long learning not only with you but with your staff members. As an educational administrator, being the "head learner" is important for setting an example to your staff members. It get's the principal out of the office and into the field to directly deal with problems and come up with creative solutions that are personalized for your school to ensure its excellence. Action research is not just a fad. Teachers have been using it for years to develop plans for the students to ensure their success. It is something that all administrators should embrace to consistently develop their schools and districts to meet the needs of all learners.