What I have learned about action research

When the word “RESEARCH” is spoken, prompted or written, I automatically have a negative reaction. I am under the impression that this is a common feeling for so many individuals and it is something that starts in our younger years as school age children. With research one tends to think about time, and how much time it takes to conduct research. This is where I feel the negative emotions arise. Who wants to spend hours upon hours learning researching a topic that may or may not be of any interest to the individual? It is wonderful to see that action research is a whole different ball of wax.
I have come to realize that action research is based on issues and tasks that principals and teachers face on a daily basis. Using action research forces one to reflect on previous situations and issues, helping principals to determine what approach must be taken in the future to have more positive outcomes. Administrators and teachers work together to help spur positive action research. It is necessary to take to time to reflect on past events, so that what best fits the school community can be utilized in the future.

This is how I learned that action research is a successful tool:

1. Principals and teachers come together to discuss current events, issues, and areas of concern within their school community.
2. Staff members work together to research and find ways that will help them implement plans to solve issues or make improvements in their school.
3. All members of the committee or teachers and principals come together and discuss findings or action research tools they have come across. Idea sharing allows staff members to converse about past happenings and what deemed to be successful or unsuccessful in past occurrences.
4. Action research is put into place, helping the school community to run more smoothly and positively, based on findings in previous situations.