Action Research

Through reading in the book Leading with Passion and Knowledge by Nancy Fichtman Dana it talks in great detail about what action research is and its benefits. In the education world we are constantly being evaluated, whether it is by peers, our bosses, and ourselves there isn't a day that an educator shouldn't look back at how there day went in front of their students. With action research this is used after one has inquired on what needs some tweaking or needs to be out right changed completely. Starting your action research with the actual process of researching and developing a plan through the getting clarity on what the situation is that needs to be improved. Once getting clarity one must then put a plan of action together. I am a firm believer that “If you fail to plan you plan to fail.” With every idea or goal there must be a specific plan in place for referral to stay on track. Implementation and finally making changes once the plan has been put into action to make sure the best practices are being used. Action research allows an individual to all take steps to be at your best. It is one thing to simply say you want to make changes within a school or a classroom, but respect truly is gained when one can take what is constructive criticism and put a plan into action. What action research do you need to perform in your life? What major steps will you take to make it happen?

-JG