Learning about Action Research

The only thing I had heard about this class from other colleagues who had taken it before me was that it was tough and demanding. Since it was titled "research" my preconceived notion was that we will be given topics to research thoroughly and write and/or blog (a bunch!) about what we found, the references and the process. Needless to say this notion was a bit off and I'm the happier for it. What I've learned so far is that, yes, there is research involved but this is "action research" I am the researcher. Action research puts the educator in the process. We come up with the topic, we define the question to make it "doable", we gather the data and look at the literature that may already be out there and we come up with a plan that fits our schools particular need. Instead of a "one size fits all" approach where someone else, an "outsider", has done the research, proposed a solution and we sit in professional development learning how to implement it, action research makes it more personal.

Now for me, this doesn’t make the research process any less intimidating, or overwhelming because when on earth am going to find time to do this. But two things struck me as I was reading and going through the assignments this week.

1) I am a believer that the learning process does not have a finishing point. I try to model lifelong learning to my students because it’s something I want them understand. We don’t stop learning just because we finish a class or graduate. The action research process is cyclical; therefore it provides this, not only for me but for my students. If I am continually asking and answering questions related to my profession then not only do my students benefit from that they have another example of being a continual learner.

2) There are already built in situations, at least at my school, where action research can blend in. PLCs by their very nature fit the action research cycle. PLCs are small group, collaborative and the intent is to share and discuss with your colleagues you and your schools specific issues of teaching that arise. What better place for action research to happen?

So I am glad that this class is not what I had envisioned and I foresee it guiding me through researching my own questions. Because I do love to research, I do it all the time in my content area, but I get overwhelmed in the amount of information I find and will go off in ten different directions forgetting what it was I wanted to know. So now I have a road map that will guide me in my professional and personal endeavors.