Action research and how you can use it.

I have learned that action research is an extremely useful method or strategy one can use to examine and improve on oneself. In the education system, principals need to be the "head learner" of the organization, and in order to accomplish this, they must use action research. Action research allows the principal to step back and look at themselves and how their actions affect the school system and the overall organization. By using action research, the principal uses inquiry strategies to examine improvements that can be made, but also can establish methods and suggestions for improving these issues through action. Action research is different from any other method of educational research because it puts the actual practitioners "on trial" for their rights and wrongs and they are the ones that must admit and examine everything they do. Working collaboratively within the school system with other teachers and staff members, parents, other administrators, and community stake holders, the principal is able to really examine and voice suggestions for improvement. These improvements are able to be discussed and a resolution by action is able to be established. Many benefits stem from the use of action research including better practices being used and improvements to the overall education system. Although this method is relatively new, it seems to be catching on fairly quickly, and in organizations other than schools. Action research can be used in businesses as well. Action research can also be known as practitioner inquiry because it is the actual practitioner asking the questions about him and the organization. This method is especially beneficial because it uses "inside" people instead of having "outsiders" coming in and discussing the problems, without giving you methods on how to fix it. By using the "insiders", one can use the actual people that have the problems, and suffer the same feelings and pain in order to fix it. Action research can be used a variety of ways, and in all different forms and fashions. From schools, to business improvements, and even in everyday life, using action research can be done anytime, anywhere, and by anyone. In order to feel the full effect of action research, you must take the time and effort to thoroughly examine yourself. Honesty with yourself throughout the inquiry process is also a must.