Administrative Inquiry & Action Research

           Administrative inquiry is a more hands on approach to research and professional development than the traditional literature based research. According to Nancy Dana (2009), “Administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her own administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry.” (p. 2)  In the process of action research the administrator stops relying on the research and data of others and starts doing the research themselves based on their own school, students, and faculty.  This allows them to make changes that are relevant to their school’s own needs.    

            Educational research was traditionally implementing change based on the findings of “outsiders” who were viewed as experts in their fields whereas action based research is personalized to the specific school.  “Given the complex environments of today’s schools where much of the decision making and discussion regarding what happens in the schoolhouse occur outside the walls of the school, the time seems ripe to equip administrators with the tools of inquiry and thus enable them to cultivate the expertise residing within the schoolhouse itself and to utilize these critical, untapped resources to improve their schools from the inside out rather than the outside in. (Darling-Hammond, 1994; Cochran-Smith & Lytle, 2006)

I feel like there are many benefits to conducting action research within our schools.  This type of professional development is more meaningful and more valuable than the traditional professional development that we as teachers have been accustomed to.  Dana (2009) said, “Learning must be something teachers and students do, not something that others do to or for them.” (p. 12)  I feel like asking those tough questions that make you reflect on your own practices make you become a proactive teacher / administrator who is more in touch with the needs of their students and staff.  It makes instruction more personal, specific for your schools needs and allows you and the staff to take ownership of the curriculum and school culture.

            I think there are many places within schools that action research would be beneficial.  Currently I am a classroom teacher and I feel like the majority of my inquiry would be based on curriculum and student performance / achievement levels.  We as teachers need to be reflective within our classrooms and find the areas in which change is necessary for the students to be more successful.