There is a difference between the traditional research and action research. Action research is leaders and teacher navigating a change. Educators study and reflect on student learning as related to their own teaching. Action research is a process as an effective tool for improving teaching and learning. As teachers reflect on their own teaching strategies, their teaching is strengthened. They gain self confidence and self efficacy. Action research should be seen as the extension of good teaching, validating effective teaching practices used in the educational setting. The primary goal of action research is to improve student learning by developing and refining the skills of teaching.
The steps of action research include:
1. Educational leaders or teachers identify a learning problem
2. A collaboration of learners develops and implements an action research plan.
3. Data is collected and analyzed so that a change can be implemented. Teachers are ready to take action!
4. As results are noticed, they are used and shared to continue improvement to student learning.
Action research is a process that requires facilitation and coaching. As an instructional coach my day-to-day focus is providing instructional assistance to teachers, assist in curriculum writing, and work with teachers and campus administrators in the use of student assessment data for instruction, and work to increase vertical and horizontal communication and teaming. Currently in my position, our team has two research techniques we are using that follows the basic steps of action research. We have used the Dana Center Walk Through CARA cycle where a leader will collect data on instructional strategies and practice occurring in a classroom. The coaches analyze the data then we reflect with the teacher group on the data. As a collaborative group, an action plan focused on student achievement is created. The cycle is repeated after the teachers have had ample time for implementation of changes in their classroom. Recently, Dr. Robert Marzano released a book entitled, Becoming a Reflective Teacher. Focused on 41 areas and/or practices of teachers in the classroom, teachers reflect on their own teaching so that they can set a plan of action for change into place in their classroom.
As our district moves forward with addressing findings from a recent curriculum audit, an action research will be the tool that we need to begin addressing those findings. Two findings in the forefront of my mind as I work with teachers daily will be Effective Classroom Strategies that Engage Students and Implementing a Plan to Guide Design, Deliver, Monitor, and Evaluate the Written Curriculum.
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