Action Research

Action research is a term that I was not very familiar with when I started this assignment, but it is one that I quickly learned.  Action research is a cyclical pattern of posing questions, gathering data, reflection, and deciding on a course of action.  In other words, it is what all of us as educators should be doing in order to enhance learning for all students.  It is not the research of old where you studied people or gathered in formation on a topic as you searched for correct answers. 

Action research is a process we have used in my current position for a while.  As stated before, we have practiced this strategy but did not know it by name.  As one big learning community, we gather data not only about the students, but on the teachers as well.  We collaboratively reflect on our processes and procedures and decide what we need to do in order to make our teaching more effective.  It is a practice that I must continue to incorporate into any position I hold and ensure that everyone in the organization be familiar with if we are to meet the demands and goals that are placed upon us as educators.