Take Action
As teachers, we conduct a lot of research, whether it be formal or informal. We also do A LOT of action; we are always doing something, often doing multiple things at once. Action research puts these two concepts together, and it is just as it sounds. Action research is research based on action with intense reflection. It is a systematic method in which educators examine their own practice and design improvements in a cyclical nature (Mertler, 2018). Action research and traditional research are both based on a question, but that is where their similarities end. Traditional research is generally about other people while action research is about oneself, and action research goes beyond hypothesis testing to change situations rather than merely interpreting them, as traditional research does.
The action research process contains 4 stages – planning, acting, developing, reflecting. Within each stage are multiple steps as part of the in-depth, cyclical process. Of the stages, acting is probably the most challenging because it involves time and effort in implementing the plan, collecting the data, and analyzing the data. Although reflecting (and all other stages) are crucial in action research, the acting stage seems to be at the crux of the process. In the end, however, reflection is what makes the difference. My superintendent once said in a presentation that planning is crucial to success as an educator. I completely agree with this, but I would also argue that reflection is just as important, if not more important. Reflection is what allows educators to connect to their own teaching and engage deeply with their own profession. The growth mindset says that mistakes are proof that we are trying, and without reflection a mistake remains a mistake instead of a learning experience.
The first stage of action research is planning, and I am ready to start thinking about how I want to better myself professionally. Previous experiences, especially previous Digital Learning and Leading courses, have gotten me a start. Now, I need to take action.
References
Mertler, C. (2018). Video 1.1 [Video file]. Retrieved from
https://edge.sagepub.com/mertler5e/student-resources/chapter-1/video-resources
