What I Have Learned About Action Research

I have learned that action research is like a scientist using the scientific method. First, what is the problem that needs to be addressed? For educators we would likely ask why is this problem of significant importance?  Second,  scientist would do background research on the topic.  As educators we would do the same by collecting reviews and literature that is relevant to the topic. Third,  Scientists would come up with a hypothesis for the answer. Educators may have an idea of what there answer to the problem may be based on professional knowledge and background. Fourth, Scientists would test the hypothesis with an experiment whereas educators would put implement their research plan into action. Fifth, both scientists and educators would analyze the data and draw a conclusion based on their results. And finally the sixth step is to communicate your results with other people which educators would do in a Professional Learning Committee, educational blogs, etc.
Action research is different than the traditional research in that the word "Action" really means what it says. You actually do something with the research data that you have found instead of just writing about what you learned from the information you researched.
I believe I will be able to find my information from research and then be able to observe students and their behavior towards the credit recovery class and see if the dropout rate for the seniors decreases.

How Educational Leaders Might Use Blogs


A key part of action research, as with any research, is sharing the findings of one’s work. The ever-changing administrative environment, coupled with the time constraints modern principals and administrators find themselves under, creates a need for a flexible, easy-to-use discourse and feedback tool. Blogs (weblogs) ideally fill this need; as many principals already use blogs to communicate school and professional information, and to keep their colleagues informed, this tool is familiar and informal enough to promote frequent use throughout the action research process. Blogs can be used to clarify and accurately express the action research process, and through the feedback provided by discussion postings to the blog, new questions or unanticipated solutions may arise, refining the research while providing the potential for improved solutions addressing the identified needs.