What I've Learned About Action Research

Administrative inquiry or action research is an evaluation of current practice by the leader, rather than from an outside source.  Two of the key components of action research are reflection and evaluation from within.  It is the leader constantly questioning himself/herself and looking for ways to evolve and improve current systems.   Action research is not viewed as linear, but rather as cyclical.  Action research should be continuous in so much that we are constantly reviewing and reflecting upon current practice in an effort to make improvements.  One challenge to action research is having the discipline to set aside the time necessary to implement the research strategies.  I've also learned that action research should not be performed in a bubble, but shared with colleagues or professional learning communities.

In contrast, traditional educational research views the role of the teacher or leader as a technician, and the research and call for change comes from an outside source rather than from thoughtful inquiry and reflection by the teacher or leader.  The danger of this kind of research is that there may not be buy-in by the teacher or leader, since they do not have input into the process and the solutions.

One way that I may benefit from action research is with classroom management.  While I pride myself on classroom management and have wonderful classes, I have one class that I am having trouble keeping them on task and acting appropriately.  There are so many students that are acting out at the same time that is has been difficult to handle. 

I am also very curious about the use of cell phones for learning. I'd like to know the pros and cons of allowing phones in the classroom.  It would be interesting to determine if there is any measurable difference in student achievement by utilizing activities that require the use of student cell phones,