Action Research/Inquiry

Administrative inquiry, stated by our prescribed authors, is the process of a principle engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/ her own administrative practice and taking action for a change based on what he/ she learns as a result of the inquiry.  Inquiring professionals seek out change and reflect on their practice by posing questions or “wondering,” collecting data to gain insight into their wondering, analyzing the data along with reading relevant literature, making changes in practice based on new understandings developed during inquiry, and sharing findings with others.  (Dana, 2009)

The need for inquiry is the essential component in order to establish a firm foundation for school improvement.  Inquiry is investigating in a systematic way.  It is examining data, asking questions, and requesting more information.  The inquiry process, based on logical reasoning, requires the collection of information in a systematic way. (Harris, 2010)

The steps in an Inquiry are a lot like those of problem solving.  You identify the problem, brainstorm possible solutions and pick the best one.  You apply it and see if the results solve the problem.   

Action research in general is where the practitioner inquiry movement focuses on the concerns of the practitioner (not outside researchers) and engages practitioners in the design, data collection, and interpretation of data around their question. (Dana, 2009)  Teachers and administrators that are involved with the everyday happenings have better insight to what will work or what the problem is.  Outsiders from Universities are not at the school in a day to day setting and their analysis of the situation may sometimes be delusional.

 Action Research is an idea, which you can apply to improve your own administrative practice, as well as other areas of academic work.  No one knows more about your class than you do and you should be the one to implement new ideas as you draw that information from your research.  This is an effective way of working through questions and problems with possible solutions to those situations that arise within the study.  As we work within the classrooms, we are to determine the most effective ways to focus on major points in which improvement  needs to take place.  Using data collection strategy; reflective journaling through blogging gives educators a fantastic way to communicate with other professionals on advise and to also record their own journal findings for later usage.