I first thought it was a new approach, but in my readings I read that Action Research as been around for quite awhile. “Action research did suffer a decline in favor during the 1960s because of its association with radical political activism (Stringer 2007:9). It’s only the last 25 years that Action Research has made a come back. It is a form of inquiry to investigate and evaluate a person’s work for improvement. Well, it seems time consuming and in reading it is time consuming when first implementing. Yet, I spend hours online researching strategies to improve student achievement. And when one strategy does not work I try another. So why would action research be any different? Is it not worth the time, if the problem can be resolved?
Teachers are known to either complain that students not academically ready, or they complain that they don’t have a voice. I see action research is an opportunity for teachers to take matters into their own hands. For example, our school has gone through many changes in the last five years, mainly a different administrator each year. In addition to the revolving administrators, we also had an influx of new teachers. Changes at all levels has resulted in inconsistent application of policy, low moral, and collaboration is not visible among teachers,staff and administrators. Each teacher and grade-level seem to be working independently, thus creating a lack of harmony. Action Research would be a great tool to resolve some these issues we are wrestling with on my campus.
You are right when you speak of harmony. We all have to be on the same page if we expect students to achieve and succeed. Action research can help take some of the "reinventing of the wheel" if administrators and teachers are willing to take the time and embrace what action research can do for administrators and teachers. Student success is our goal, utilize tools that will help us realize that goal.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, we teachers do complain a lot about lack of student preparation and not having a voice. At some point we have to be old fashioned about the situation and just roll up our sleeves, dive in and decide to make a difference. If we don't, then the cycle will continue from year to year.
ReplyDelete