Action Research

What is action research?
Action Research is a cyclic process for problem solving. Action research differs greatly from standard research in that action research involves coming up with new solutions to problems rather that reading a book and reporting on what you have found.
Action research is very compatable with the scientific method as well. In action research as with in the scientific method you start with a question or an observation. The rest of the steps of the scientific method are followed as well all the way through analyzing data and reflecting on what you have learned. One of the key components of action research is the reflection piece. When the experiment/research is over you must take an unbiased look at the results of your study and reflect on what was really found. If your research has proven true then a full scale plan should be put in place, however if your research shows that you have not been successful then you must start back at the beginning and work through the process again.

Another key component of action research is the nature of who is doing the study. If you are doing action research you are researching something you are directly involved in. As a teacher I have decided to do action research on my school’s attendance rates to see if I can find a solution to aid in getting students to class every day. By being on the “inside” of the situation I will have greater incentive to find a solution to the problem. I will also have some insights into the situation that someone from outside of the school system may not have.