Benefits of Action Research

Before action research, there were two paradigms that dominated educational research for decades. Process-product research requires that teachers and administrators implement curriculums from findings of outside experts like university researchers. Qualitative or interpretative studies requires that the university researcher, himself, gather and evaluate data from the chosen academic setting. These two paradigms are similar in that the practitioner of the research is limited in some capacity. Either the administrator is limited on his own campus because he is using the findings of another or the university researcher is limited because they are not familiar with the environment in which he observes. This similarity in paradigms is what sets them apart from action research. In action research, the practitioner will not be an alien to his findings nor his environment. Action research engages practitioners in an inquiry process in a familiar environment that concerns their own questions, which is an ideal setting for professional development.    


Action research is a systematic approach to inquiry much like a doctor who diagnoses his patient. As you gather and evaluate data from research, each step of the process brings you closer to a conclusion just like a doctor systematically finds a prescription. It is strongly urged that campus leaders find time to reflect upon their findings because the reflection helps with the professional health of the administrator. It builds his expertise by utilizing his experience; and through that experience the administrator acquires and improves several skills to make him a better leader. Blogging would be an excellent professional development tool for administrators. Weblogs can help with time management of reflection of the action research. Their entries can keep them on task with desired results of the inquiry and can be reviewed by other colleaugues who coulld provide an extrospective view of their scenarios. Reflection and peer review will gain further insight into a practical solution to the plight at hand.