Action Research is performed by practitioners with a vested interest in improving the organization that they represent. It is similar to traditional research, however, the data and analysis can be more readily available and used efficiently to create an action plan. It is also cyclical in nature. At the conclusion of the forth stage, practictioners can reflect and evaluate the impact of the research, then adjust and begin the cycle again. Action research includes gathering information about how our organizations or schools operate, the methods and strategies they use, the pedagogy used, and how their particular population of students learn. Action research is utilized by teachers to collect data on areas of potential improvement, then used to improve their methods and strategies. Reflection is an important aspect of Action Research as well. Educators reflect and evaluate the impact of the data on student success and adjusting any area of need or concern in a continuous striving for growth and improvement.
In what ways does a digital portfolio focused on the influence of failure throughout the learning process impact 11th grade students in Family and Consumer Sciences CTE courses?
Why should we implement Action Research?
As Educators, we care deeply about our students and their success in and out of the classroom. First and foremost, they deserve the best of us, the ever improving and growing educator that stops at nothing to research and implement the most effective strategies. There is also no better way to nurture student growth and encourage them to reach their potential than to model a structured process of identifying areas of improvement, collect the necessary data, interpreting and planning, and then reflecting on the impact made to our current practices. By holding ourselves to the highest standard, we inadvertently challenge students to rise to their full potential as well.