Action Research Summary

As I have begun reading the textbooks for EDLD 5301 I am learning in greater detail what Action Research is actually all about. The first thing that comes to mind is that I have been part of action research in various forms though I would not have given it that title. Our district has a policy of using this process when making changes or investigating the possible need for change. We are encouraged to use strategies that are research based. The thing I am coming to realize is that we use a combination of looking at traditional research and action research as we make those changes. I believe that this will help me as I progress through this class and learn how to use action research appropriately and effectively. It is important to investigate the research that has been completed by experts on a subject but to make it work for your situation you need to actually put that information to work. This means creating specific action steps that are appropriate for your situation and then evaluating their effectiveness before moving on with and/or adjusting the plan.

I think that at first I will find action research to be the most useful in the process of utilizing Professional Learning Communities. These learning communities create opportunities for collaboration among peers and lend themselves to the action research process. The PLC will meet with a common need in mind. For instance, the Math Goal Team will analyze student performance to find areas in need of improvement. When the team decides on a specific need they will work within the action research process to investigate strategies and processes that will enhance student performance. They will develop steps that will be implemented by the campus. It will then be important for them to meet and evaluate the implementation and results of those steps on a regularly scheduled basis. At that time the team will make decisions on whether or not to continue on the present course or to make adjustments. It is my belief that I could successfully mesh action research with professional learning communities to enhance school success.