What I have learned about Action Research

Action research is such a great tool! When using action research, the teacher and/or administrator determine what to research. In order to determine areas needing to be addressed, they self reflect. They take a deeper look into their practiced in the classroom and in the school setting. What I've noticed is teacher are always presented research that was conducted in the traditional setting. I'm not sure that teachers see the issues with traditional research because it is what we have always used. However, I do believe that as teachers and administrators we already do some form of self reflection, but we do not take it any further. I can see the power of action research. As an administrator, I feel it is important to teach my staff members about action research. They need to be taught the endless possibilities that stem from self evaluating and action research. By teaching my staff members the importance of action research, I believe self reflection will become natural. This will improve the effectiveness of my teachers as well as the cohesiveness of the team. Teachers ill learn to collaborate with each other and help improve each others teaching. Action research can move a "good" school to a "great" school!