What I have learned about action research?

Through our readings we learned that there were several kinds of research methods. We have the traditional educational research method and the action research method. I learned that the traditional is conducted by people that are not directly linked to the classroom. This type of research is conducted by "outside experts". In the contrary, action research is conducted by principals directly linked to the classrooms and to the issues that arise on an individual campus.
Action research is a great process for a principal to engage on issues that pertain specifically to her/his campus. This type of research helps principals engage in what is happening around their own campus and promotes interventions designed to help them overcome those issues. By utilizing this type of research principals become more familiarized with matters that are specific to their school. They are able to resolve issues through the implementation of targeted strategies. This type of research also requires a process. First, we have to identify an issue of concern. Then, you review the data and/or literature that supports the issue. Then you take action by implementing the information gathered. The last step is the sharing of the findings. This information is shared with all stakeholders if needed.

Principals don't have to work alone on these issues that are affecting the campus. Through the readings we learned that principals can work with leadership teams within the campus or with other principals as well. One critical issue that doesn't allow principals to feel comfortable with this type of research, is the issue of time. We also learned several ways in which we can manage our time in order to include this action research that will provide us with powerful information about our campus that, in tern, will increase student achievement.