Action Research

Administrative inquiry or action research is the process of an administrator reflecting on his/her administrative practice and making the necessary changes for improvement. Such reflections can include posing questions, collecting and analyzing data, making needed changes, and sharing findings. Also, the main difference between action research and traditional educational research is that the traditional method focuses on outside research. It does not incorporate the input of the people that work in the school every day like teachers and administrators. Action research on the other hand focuses on the concerns of the practioners. This is very beneficial because practioners know firsthand what issues need to be addressed. Also, action planning would allow teachers and administrators to work collaboratively. Because teachers are involved in the process, they would be more likely to incorporate the changes. They would have a sense of ownership of the research. I think there are numerous ways to use action research. The text mentions getting an advanced degree, establishing inquiry meetings, create leadership teams, develop Professional Learning Communities, and sending questionnaires to teachers (Dana 20009). I would incorporate action research in my routine by scheduling a time a couple times a week to think on decisions or actions I have made. I would also use this time to reflect on areas where the campus needs to improve.