Action Research is a systematic, often cyclical, process of data driven changes followed by critical reflection. Action research allows for many stakeholders to be involved in the change process, creating togetherness and involvement. Changes that are effective must be planned and analyzed using data and that critical reflection.
I like the concept of action research because it can be used with large, complicated data or with small pieces of information. I also like that this type of research can be flexible should the results point to a different plan of action. The process of action research begins by inquiring about an idea, such as the association between parent involvement/support and how it affects student success. Research is then conducted to gather initial data on parent involvement and the success or non-success of their children. That data is analyzed and reflected upon. Researchers involved in the process then make a plan of action based on the data. This process may go through several rounds before an "end" is reached.
As an administrator intern, I would like to use the action research process to determine and improve the campus morale and climate. I would like to compare data from teachers' opinions of morale during the past school year to now. I plan to then employ methods of morale boosters and destress techniques, and then reassess the teacher's morale at a later date.
