The main thing I have learned about action research is that it is a process that we go through in order to become better leaders. Action research involves three main steps which are as follows:
1. Identifying a problem or area of concern
2. Gathering data on this area to be studied
3. Making decisions based on the data collected
Reflection takes place at every stage of action research because truly great leaders recognize the need to think about what they are doing. By reflecting at every stage you can see if there needs to be a change in strategy if what you first began to do is not going to produce the results that you want. It does not make sense to wait until the very end to reflect because if wait too long you may have to undo a lot of work in order to get things moving in the right direction.
Traditional research was based more on using the findings of others and was focused on simply getting a better understanding of a problem. This approach is suitable for some situations but as educational leaders we need to do more and that is why we practice action research.
During action research we not only get a better understanding of a problem but we also find solutions to the problem, which is the ‘action’ part of the process. This shows why it is important to reflect on every step because only through deep thinking do we really see if what we are doing is having a positive impact on the area of concern.
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