This week I learned that action research has many applications to educators. I also learned that it is important to start at the beginning and work through the project with purpose and focus. Developing a functional inquiry is the all-important first step, but understanding that this inquiry will likely evolve during the project is just as important. Once a suitable "wondering" has been established conducting a literature review can be helpful so that you don't "reinvent the wheel" as we have all so often heard. It is possible that someone somewhere has wondered the same thing and already conducted valuable research and practice that you can use to further your own project. Conducting the project is also just one step, as it will only have real value and meaning if the results are analyzed and shared with others.
So, to summarize here are the things I learned:
1. Action research is valuable to educators for improving learning and professional growth.
2. Action research projects should be flexible enough to change or evolve but focused enough to remain measurable and doable.
3. Use what is available to aid in the project, don't do more work than is necessary.
4. Reflect, reflect, reflect.
5. Share, share, share.
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