What is action research and how can it be used in an educational setting?

Action research is a process in which a practitioner inquires about solutions to an issue, analyzes the data from the issue, researches and reflects on possible solutions, analyzes data from the change, reflects on the effectiveness of the change and shares the insight gained from the change with colleagues.  Action research is performed by the practitioner; in an educational setting this could be a teacher, administrator, superintendent, or other school staff.  The practitioner leads this inquiry to improve their school or teaching.  The practitioner then completes the research and analysis on their own.  This gives the practitioner a greater insight into the issue and possible solutions to the issue.  An added benefit is that the practitioner is able to share their results with their colleagues which can lead to greater buy-in from others.  There are too many times as teachers (and administrators) that we are given a new strategy that is the focus for the campus or district that has been researched by academia that is heavy on theory and not practice.  The benefit of an action research project is that the strategy or solution is being developed and tested by those in the trenches.  The results, whether good or bad, will be practical and not theoretical.

PLCs are a great place for action research to occur.  This is a great place for teachers to inquire whether their lessons are meeting the rigor of their common assessments.  Teachers can analyze their data on TEKS, as a group research and collaborate on different ways in which to teach the TEK, deliver the new method in class, and analyze the data from future assessments.  In addition, they are able to share their results with each other.  One method in which an administrator can utilize action research is through their administrative team.  An example of this method could have the administrative team analyze their attendance data, research methods on increasing attendance, implement the changes and analyze the data the data resulting from the change.  A principal can share the insight gained from the change with other principals in the district.