Action Research

Action Research is different from traditional research because of what you do with the information you have learned. Traditional research is important because it can build your background knowledge in specific topics, but Action research is important because of the context in which it is used. Used is key here because the information gained is only the first step in Action Research! The first step is to systematically collect data from a variety of resources that will be used to help solve problems. The problems being solved or the research being done in Action research is up to you! Anyone can use action research with a group of people to inquire about an area of concern in their present environment. It is relevant to what the group wants to learn more about. The information gained is used to make decisions about what to do next. The research is put into action, analyzed, reflected upon, and shared. This process helps make decisions about what to do next. If situations are changed to the point of success determined by the group, then you are finished, but if the group wants to see a different outcome, the inquiry process continues. All participants take part in the research process. Action Research is a valuable tool to make continuous improvement that is needed where you are and when you need it.