Action Research is a systematic / intentional study of one's own practices and taking action based upon what you learn from the inquiry. This process goes by several other names as well, and I particularly like Practitioner Inquiry. This name appeals to me because I feel it describes what is happening a little better. The practitioner (whether that is a teacher or administrator) looks into their own practices for answers to questions that relate directly to them.

This approach personalizes the research process and brings the responsibility for change home to the practitioner. By analyzing the problem and establishing the process that will be used to solve the problem the practitioner is more likely to buy into all possible action steps necessary to achieve the desired results.

Practitioner inquiry begins, of course, by identifying a problem or a need. In identifying an issue that needs study, the teacher/administrator needs to reflect on the issues that are urgent in their own circumstance. Spending time to consider the problematic area from all viewpoints will help more clearly define the issue and make the process of action research easier.

After identifying an area of concern, it is important to review the research that is already available on the topic. Many times this research can help to clarify the topic, and may also help direct the practitioner in developing action steps. The more information one has on the subject, the more likely the action research will result in useable data.

Once the topic is clearly defined and research has been reviewed, the practitioner can begin taking action. This is an exciting time for the action researcher, because, as the name implies, it involves taking steps that will ultimately lead to improvement. This may mean changing an instructional strategy, or simply quantifying data from strategies that are already in place. Either way, the action researcher is involved in action steps that will lead to some conclusion.

At the conclusion of the action steps, the practitioner then looks at all of the results and comes to some conclusion. The hope is, these conclusions will lead to improvement of some sort. Whether the outcome is what was expected or not, valuable information has been obtained that can lead to positive change.

Educators that I have known have been notoriously resistant to change. By engaging in practitioner inquiry, educators will surely be more likely to embrace change since it is driven by their own research. Taking ownership in your own practices and examining them in a fair trial makes sense. It also makes sense to act on the information that you worked so hard to obtain.