Action Research

Action research is a valuable tool for all leaders in the field of education, whether they are veteran administrators, new to the leadership role, or prospective principal candidates. Action research provides the leader with the opportunity to examine any area of the educational system, a campus policy, or a personal decision, and look for ways to improve that area. This improvement is done in a systematic way with the leader defining the outcome or change they would like to achieve. Once this is done, the leader researches the problem. This can be done in a wide variety of ways. The leader can read articles or journals on the topic. They can talk to colleagues in different school districts to see if they have experience with the problem or have ideas about how to attack or improve the situation. The principal can also gather input from teachers, students, or parents. The leader then selects a plan to implement to achieve the desired change or goal. After the plan is implemented, the principal must reflect on the plan and the result it has produced. Is the result the one that was desired, or did the plan have the desired effect? If so, the plan can be continued. If not, the plan my need to be adjusted slightly or done away with altogether.

Action research can be used successfully by teachers, department heads, assistant principals, principals, superintendents, or anyone in a leadership role in the educational setting. To be successful with action research, the leader must set aside time to research and weigh the potential outcomes of the plans available. However, the time needed to do this is well worth the effort, as it will invariably lead to a better work and learning environment for all concerned. Action leadership can be used by administrators in staff development, curriculum development, school-wide or campus-wide performance areas. It can also by department heads in their subject department, individual teachers in their classroom, and even by students. I can see myself using this tool in a variety of ways in my future endeavors as a school leader.