Action Research

Elliot (1988) describes action research as a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action. Each spiral involves:

1. clarifying and diagnosing a practical situation that needs to be improved or a practical problem that needs to be resolved.
2. formulating action strategies for improving the situation or resolving the problem.
3. implementing the action strategies and evaluating their effectiveness.
4. clarifying the situation, resulting in new definitions of problems or areas for improvement.

I use the tagxedo to brainstorm my understanding with regards to action research and by doing so, I was able to pull out some ideas of what action research is all about. According to my readings,  action Research refers to research intended to bring about change of some kind, usually with a social justice focus. The action research process can help us understand what is happening in our classroom and identify the changes that improve teaching and learning. Action research can help us answer questions we have about the effectiveness of specific instructional strategies, the performance of specific students and classroom management techniques.  Action research provides qualitative data that we can use to adjust our curriculum content, delivery and instructional practices to improve student learning. Action research will help me implement informed change.  Every time I will change a lesson plan or try a new approach with my students, I am engaged in trying to figure out what works. Even though I may not acknowledge it as formal research, I am still investigating, implementing, reflecting, and refining my approach.

Action research also helps you take charge of your personal professional development. As you reflect on your own actions and observe other master teachers, you will identify the skills and strategies you would like to add to your own professional toolbox. As you research potential solutions and are exposed to new ideas, you will identify the skills, management, and instructional training needed to make the changes you want to see.

In reality, life is complex and things rarely go as planned. Indeed, although action research may start with a carefully planned action, the nature of the process makes the outcome uncertain. All teachers want to reach their students more effectively and help them become better learners and citizens. Action research will provide a reflective process I can use to implement changes in my classroom and determine if those changes result in the desired outcome.

Our ideas and experience combined with action research are a powerful formula for effective change!