Action Research and It's Use

I’ve learned that Action Research refers to a systematic, intentional study of administrative practice and taking action for change based on what is learned as a result of the inquiry.  As I search ways to improve my method of teaching, action research will become very beneficial to me.  As I proceed in collecting data, analyzing the data, evaluating results, and corresponding to solve problem, I, as others have in the pass, will be able to seek out change and ways in developing a plan of action that will enhance the overall improvement of the school.  I’ve also learned that action research is conducted by people from the “inside.”  It identifies questions or problems that are examined by a team who work collaboratively then correspond to solve the problem.  Dana discusses two paradigms.  The first portraying teaching as a primarily linear activity and depicts teachers and principals as technicians. While this research has generated valuable insights into the teaching and learning process, it resulted in traditional top-down “retraining” and remediation. The second paradigm is the qualitative or interpretative studies, teaching, and schooling which were portrayed as highly complex, context-specific, interactive activities. Although qualitative or interpretive work attended to issues of context, it limits the practitioners’ role in the research process; who are best positioned to understand and better the educational experiences for all members of the school, administrators, and teachers.