What have I learned from action research?

After listening to our videos this week, the different professors confirmed what I had already been thinking... action research is a must and as an educator I've already been performing action research through my own inquiry!!!! I've learned that action research is what a good teacher should be doing all the time anyways.  A teacher should always have "wonderings" in order make sure they are delivering instruction to the best of their ability and so their students can be successful at all they do.  The more I learned about action research this week, the more I understood the methods for completing action research and how it can be beneficial to schools, parents, teachers, students, administrators, and more.  As an administrator, you must be able to analyze a problem and determine if the correct steps have been taken to make the situation more effective.  Leaders should also have the capability to lead others in the direction of action research.  Teachers will be more effective instructional leaders on their campus the more the begin action research of their own.  Only then will they know what is effective and ineffective in their teaching practices.  I also learned the importance of reflection during action research.  Whether it involves reading an article from a journal or discussing a plan with other educators, the need for reflection is crucial.  Creating time for reflection allows you to stay engaged throughout the action research project as you continue to learn more about the topic.  Finally, I learned of the importance of choosing an action research plan that is relevant to what you are already doing.  If you are involved in an action research project that relates to your current teaching practice, you are more likely to be highly motivated and involved in developing and monitoring the best action research possible.