What is Action Research and How Can it Be Used?

Action research is both an approach to problem solving and a problem solving process. It is a way of learning more from practice by questioning, listening, watching, acting, analyzing and reflecting. Action research can be done in a formal way with results which can be shared across contexts or it can be conducted informally as a way of learning from and improving one's practice.

Action research gives teachers the skills that they need to work on specific problems directly related to their classrooms or schools. Through the use of Action research, teachers can resolve their own teaching challenges. They learn how to ask a focus question, define terms, collect data, use an analysis process that rules out bias, and includes methods that are reliable and valid. The findings become immediately applicable to their individual situations.

When conducting Action research one must first decide on a focus, then develop a plan to gain insights, analyze the data by looking for patterns, and then finally report what has been learned. Once teacher research has been shared it allows for further action on the part of the teacher. Examples of ways to use Action research are: exploring how to use more writing in the Chemistry class, exploring ways to use more inquiry learning in the classroom, or exploring how to introduce open-ended inquiry science into teaching.

http://ccar.wikispaces.com/Action+research