Action Research

During the first week of this Research course, I have learned to identify several key factors that differentiate action research from research in general. Action research can be best characterized as practitioner inquiry; unlike traditional academic research performed by outsiders to the subject or scenario, action research is performed by insiders, educators and administrators who are themselves. Traditional research in contrast is generally more scientific in nature, conducted by researchers (“outsiders” to the school) in a controlled and objective setting.

Action research is also different from traditional research in that it answers a relevant and pressing question or need in the administrator’s specific school or setting, whereas scholarly research, while it may answer a question, it is more broad in nature .There are numerous benefits to conducting action research.  Action research allows an educator to examine their students learning and how it is connected to their own teaching.  This practice allows a teacher to reflect on their teaching methods/lessons and differentiate so that improvements can be made.  Improving the teacher can improve the student.  


Action research provides meaningful ownership to my learning.  It allows me to engage in a learning process that will best aid me in my teaching profession.  I have already thought of ways that action research could benefit my school. Attendance is a problem at my school and I feel we have a poor way of recognizing students for attending school.I feel that if we research and revamp or attendance program more students would have a better attendance. Reaching out to the parents would also be very important so that they become more aware of the importance of attendance on their child's education.