Action Research

Action research is a great tool for education. Pretty simply put it is a process, or research that involves planning, action, monitoring and reflection. These steps do not necessarily have an order. For instance, you may find yourself reflecting as you are planning; or monitoring during action. In Action research that I have been apart of in the past, it is sometimes difficult to keep theses steps separate as they tend to run together during the process. Action Research uses action as a means of research, a plan for change is put into action and then monitored and analysed for success. Action Research is basically educators trying to better understand and improve their practice. It can function at an individual level, or as a collaboration of teachers/educators. One other great aspect of this type of research is that it can be used at any level. From the most complex issues to the simple everyday struggles in education. Basically, any issue that needs to be changed or fixed can be attempted through action research. I think of it as a living document that can be changed and adapted as you progress to reach your goal.