Action Research

Action research is an inquiry done by an educator with the intent that the person will inform and change his or her practices in the future.  It is a reflective process to improve the way of addressing issues and solving problems.  Overall it is to find a new course of action to improve the organization as a whole and improve its work practices.  Action research involves people working to improve their skills, techniques, and strategies.  As an educator, it is about how we can change our instruction to impact students learning.

As an educator, I feel I can use action research by doing a self-evaluation, team evaluation and an evaluation of my campus as a whole.  An analysis of how things are currently operating is needed and whether the process is successful.  After obtaining this data, I can decide with other staff members on the steps and processes to improve my campus overall.  For instance, one way action research is utilized for my school is to examine the state test scores (TAKS) to identify areas that need improvement, and then determine a plan of action to improve student performance.  We design an educational plan including pull-outs and tutoring to address learning deficits.