Is Action Research Effective?

Action research has proven to be the new way of educational research on schools, teaching and learning. Why is this a more efficient way to research than implementing theories? It's simple, why try to mold a theory to the issues at hand, when you can go straight to the source of the question. Administrators can use the process of action research to better meet the needs of the staff, students, parents and community. Moreover, the answers are driven from the school not from an out-sourced theory. By examining issues on campus as a professional learning community, the staff and school will know first-hand what works for their community. Not all theories are sufficient enough, but using research and implementing strategies for the school can have a better interpretation of what the answers may be. For instance, how will an administrator know that teachers are in need of a specific professional development, if they don't ask the staff. Looking inside the situation is proving to be more effective than seeking an outside source first. Action research is a great way to create engagement with the staff to help clarify unresolved issues of the school. By working as a team, the school will grow as a team and continue to build effective strategies for improvement of the students.