Action research or inquiry "refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry" (Dana, 2009, p 2). Action inquiry utilizes inside staff to research, determine a course of action, and implement that action plan. In other words, action inquiry keeps the entire process within the walls of the school, unlike traditional educational research where the inquiry is conducted by outside experts. Personal involvement is one of the top benefits of conducting action inquiry. Instead of admitting there is a problem within your school and handing that problem over to an outsider, action inquiry allows the school employees (administrator and/or teachers) to stay involved. Who better to question your current practice than yourself? Since the entire process is done within the school walls, the intent is that the teachers and administrators are more receptive because they have been involved in the entire process and have personal ownership of the process. Additionally, staff do not have an outsider coming in to tell them what they are doing wrong. However, this takes self evaluation, honesty, and the abilit to think outside the box.
I personally learn better by doing rather than by someone else giving me instructions from an end result without me following the entire process. I like to be involved and I have a better understanding and action inquiry does just that. The process also helps staff and administrators work together as a team. In addition, the inquiry challenges the participants to venture away from the typical standard of "that's the way we have always done it" and think outdie the box.
Source:
Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principals as action researcher: Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.
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