What is Action Research ?

Action research is a systematic approach to solving a problem that is directly related to researcher’s practice in their professions. "Leading with Passion and Knowledge" by Nancy Fichtman Dana, is certainly a thought-provoking book that helped me gain a greater understanding of how to use administrative inquiry and action research in order to implement effective structures and become a successful leader. According to Dana, the administrative inquiry is a systemic tool of assessment for accessing, gathering and extracting the information of administrator’s own overall practices (Dana, 2009).  Dana described administrative inquiry and action research as a structured and planned study of the administrator’s performance, then taking action based on the results from their reflections (Dana, 2009). The process of action research included ongoing cycles of inquiry, analysis, and action that requires the person to review the same portion of his/her style to come up with ways to promote improvement (Dana, 2009).

Dana formed a list of nine specific effective inquiry and action research areas of responsibilities to guide school administrators in assessing their own practices that have a considerable impact on campus and student achievement (Dana, 2009). There are nine areas of action research that are listed in the book in which she feels educational leaders would benefit by exploring such as:

1. Staff development
2. Curriculum development
3. Individual teacher(s)
4. Individual student(s)
5. School culture/community
6. Leadership
7. Management
8. School performance
9. Social justice

School leaders that enthusiastically seek improvements in their leadership skills and overall campus health will greatly benefit from it, as it will promote professional grow and bring better results in student learning outcomes.