What is action research? How is it different from traditional educational research?

Action research is a step by step inquiry process that investigates a campus’ educational practices and proposes change based upon the result of the research.  This type of research process can be used by both teachers and administrators.  It is an important action for a lifelong learner such as the administrator because it pinpoints the need for change in the school and highlights the need for professional development in his or her own practice.  It is important for teachers because it gives them ownership in the change process and lets them see the steps and reasoning that led to the proposal for change in the first place.  

Traditional educational research does not allow for the teacher or administrator to engage in the problem solving process.  This traditional process is conducted outside of the school and is handed down to the administrator for them to implement.  Because this process doesn’t take into consideration the condition at the specific campus, it is often not successful.  Unlike traditional research, action research is a circular process and it is participated in by the administrators and the teachers.  First the problem is identified; next improvement actions are proposed, then proposed changes are implemented and evaluated, and last the problem is evaluated again and redefined for further improvement.  This spiral process allows for problems specific to the campus to be evaluated and for teachers and administrators to have ownership in the process.