Action Research Essentials

Action Research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully using the techniques of research. Action research begins with identifying the problem or concern of the practitioner. The practitioner analyzes data, reads relevant literature, and makes changes to their educational practice. Elliot (1988) describes action research as a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action. Action research differs from traditional educational research in many ways. First, the research is done from within the organization. The research is not from an outsider. Action research is cyclical. The practitioner is continual asking questions, applying relevant research, and making changes to educational strategies. Action research is a personal process in which the educational leader is making an effort to change practices to improve the school.