My Beginning in Action Research

As I began the week I was introduced to the term action research. I pondered what that meant and delved into Chapter 1 of Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Research by Nancy Fichtman Dana. What I discovered was that I already was using many of the techniques of action research. Action Research or as Dana called it, Principal Inquiry, is the process of creating a wondering or pondering, formulating it into a question, gathering data that relates to it, following protocols to discuss it with others, and formulating a conclusion that then leads to another pondering, thus creating a cyclical study of my own practices (Dana, 2009). It is this cyclical nature that makes action research so appealing. The process of it allows me to observe my own practices and even question myself or an idea and then through action research come to a better understanding of the nature of the problem backed up with data. It is was some might consider a best practice and can be used by both the principal and the teacher alike.

While I didn't know what I was getting myself into at the time, last summer I attended a week-long training called Critical Friends Groups (CFG). At this training I learned protocols for text reviews, critiquing others, and problem solving any issue with the help of my CFGs. I have already used some of the protocols put out by the National School Reform Faculty with much success. Also at my campus we utilize Professional Learning Communities (PLC). These experiences with action research have paved the way for me to being to make use of it in the role of a principal. I look forward to embarking on this research methodology in the coming weeks and months ahead.