In his book, Guiding School Improvement with Action Research, Richard Sagor defines “action research” as
a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for those taking the action. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the “actor” in improving and/or refining his or her actions.
In the January/February issue of Knowledge Quest, school librarian Susan Ballard shares her Personal Epiphany and Journey with Evidence-Based Practice.
If we are going to improve or refine our work with students, teachers and our school community, we must engage in action research. If we are going to reflect on our programs, we must first inquire about what is working and what is not working, gather statistics and narratives, ask questions and listen to answers. If we are going to improve our school library media programs, then we must act.
In their book, Action Research: A Guide for Library Media Specialists, Howard and Eckhardt provide the resources to help school librarians to assess their facilities and space, develop appropriate inquiry questions, and collect and analyze data in an effort to improve school library media programs and our impact on student achievement.
What type of action research have you done or considered doing to improve your program?
Author: Deanna Harris
I have spent my career in education as a middle grades language arts teacher, a middle grades teacher librarian, and a coordinating teacher at the NC Department of Public Instruction. During my twenty-three years, I have focused on teaching and learning, student achievement, and teacher leadership. I have worked with beginning and veteran teachers through mentoring, internships, staff development, and professional learning teams.
Categories: Advocacy/Leadership, Blog Topics
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