Action Research Reflection

When researching, we often like to consider a subject, identify several resources to see what the best solution to our problem might be, and then implement trial and error with those resources until we get the results we desire. However, with the cyclical pattern of action research, the research process takes on a new purpose, which requires clarifying the problem by way of collaboration, evaluating and analyzing resources, implementing strategies from those resources, and again clarifying that problem over again until an ideal solution is reached. Now, at first glance, I considered action research to sound like glorified polling, but as I continued reading about it, I began to see its relevance and benefits in numerous settings. If anything else, I learned that action research focuses on a reflective style of learning, in which practitioners and others involved are constantly evaluating their selves and their progress. This is beneficial to education because it challenges educators to identify the issue down to the most specific detail, and then it encourages collaboration that thrives off the strengths of all involved to reach a collective solution that satisfies everyone involved.

Principals have a great deal of responsibilities to maintain on a daily basis. Unfortunately, teachers who do not understand the struggles principals endure may gradually withdraw their support from administration by isolating themselves, or assuming incompetence on the part of the principal. To avoid this type of cycle, I would use the action research model to develop a teamwork ethic that strengthens trust and collaboration among teachers and administrators, and instills the idea that all parties are relevant to progression in education. Specifically, creating a site team that functions as an action research team on the issue of mastering reading comprehension across content areas would be a great way to unite department heads or active teachers with administrators campus-wide to emerge with campus-specific strategies that are closely monitored and executed effectively.

With more study and understanding of the implementation of the action research process, I am sure that success is inevitable. Of course, it requires consistent, genuine interest and involvement on the part of the principal and educators, but overall, the reflection and recursive evaluation that occurs among colleagues during this process, can generate lasting effects that impact the productivity and progress of any campus.