Best Practices Series — On-Site Workshop Topics

Educator as Researcher:
Using Action Research to Improve the Organizational
and Instructional Quality of Your School or District

How can the implementation of action research in your organization help improve your individual and collective performance?

Action research is a process in which educators examine their own educational practices, both systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research. The concept of “action research” is based on a number of key assumptions:

• Educators work best on problems they have identified for themselves
• Educators become more effective when encouraged to examine and assess their own work and then consider ways of working differently
• Educators need dedicated time and space away from their daily routine to think deeply about their work
• Educators can provide help, strategic support, and encouragement by working collaboratively

This training will demonstrate the power of action research as a highly valuable form of professional development and capacity building. Just as there is a vast, untapped potential and genius among students, there is also a vast untapped potential among the adults who serve the students. Educators need their own intellectual and emotional hunger to be fed. They need to experience the joy of collaborative dialogue, critique, and research.