Action Research and How leaders Can Use It Successfully

Administrative inquiry also known as action research is the process of one engaging in systematic, intentional study of their own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what they have learned as a result of the inquiry (Dana, 2009, p.2).  This simply means an administrator seeks out something that needs improvement, reflects on it, gains insight by different means, analyzing their findings and develops and implements a plan of action.  Action research is different than traditional educational research in the fact that action research is performed by someone directly involved in education, whereas, traditional educational research is usually performed by an outside researcher.  Outside research is often performed by university researchers who are far removed from the classroom and education.  This research is then presented to the administrators as a new approach that should be implemented.  This type of research is usually based on the connection between theory and practice.  We as administrators/educators tend to frown on this type of research because it was not based on actual research performed by a practicing educator.  Action research or administrative inquiry has many benefits such as collaboration among educators, an “educator” approach, and more meaningful which in turn results a positive acceptance and implementation of the plan

The benefits of conducting action research are endless. First, action research allows individuals to identify problems they consider important rather than addressing issues others outside the system deem as important. Therefore, because of its nature, several different types of action research can occur in a school simultaneously.
Action research is a process that allows educators to experience problem solving and model it to their students and colleagues. Moreover, action research can revitalize the entire learning and professional community. Very practical and ongoing, action research can be used in an educator’s everyday experiences while on-the-job.