Action research in education is a very useful and essential tool that will have life long effect on student and school improvement. If implemented effectively, it will help to save time and create a more attractive and least restrictive school environment. Just like using inquiry based labs activities in our classrooms, it can be use to rectify curriculum and instruction.Action research involves thinking and questioning.For action research to be effective, all stakeholders must have the same vision; that is all must know the intention and the reason that necessitated the inquiry. It does not necessary mean that things are falling apart but it brings up thinking and questioning like "what can we do to improve?", "how come the students are not learning?", "do we need to revisit the method of instruction?".
Data must be collected and analyzed to determine what is working and whats not. Everyone involved must have an understanding of the process and what is at stake. During data analysis patterns and trends will be identified to determine the direction to follow to find solutions. The committee will set up an action plan to work with and it is important to set up a process for continuous monitoring and necessary adjustment made as needed.
Action research requires a lot of time but it is a life saver. It can be used to improve school's curriculum, budgetting, scheduling and planning.
Ibukun,you made a very valid point in pointing out that action research is only effective as the stakeholders sharing in the same vision. This is where I think schools that fail because the school leader is not doing an effective job of getting his/her vision across to the stakeholders or getting the "buy-in" from the stakeholders.
ReplyDeleteYour classmate,
Jonathan Trinh
EDLD 5301-Research EA1185