Action Research Summary

According to Dana (2009) administrator inquiry refers to the process of a principal engaging in systematic, intentional study of his/her administrative practice and taking action for change based on what he/she learns as a result of the inquiry. From this definition, I realized the importance of reflective thinking. Even though inquiry may not be an easy task, it’s a critical piece as an administrator. I believe conducting research can be a powerful tool to enhance school improvement.  As a future administrator, I plan to determine areas to improve and/or change. After determining those areas, I plan to lead a collaborative study with multiple stakeholders to obtain research. I’m confident that involving others with “one vision, one goal” will have a greater impact on overall school success. At the conclusion of my research, I plan to implement and determine the effectiveness of the results.

Administrator inquiry varies in many areas from traditional educational research. When an administrator conducts inquiry research it pertains to how they can personally make improvements, therefore self-evaluating themselves as leaders. Traditional research involves working on questions posed by outside experts. Elliott (1988) describes action research as a continual set of spirals consisting of reflection and action. Therefore, this type of research process is reoccurring. The type of research questions posed vary as well. In traditional research, the question is concentrated on a controlled prediction or explaining the process of the question. In administrator research, the principal is focused on providing ways they can personally improve or change their school.

There are various ways to conduct action research in the educational setting. One way is through enrolling in university coursework. Through the coursework, principals examine and conduct research to fulfill the requirements of the degree. Secondly, principals can conduct research through leadership teams at their campus. The leadership team consist of administrators and teachers. The purpose of the leadership team is to collaborate on issues, responsibilities, and to participate in the decision making process. Lastly, the principal can conduct research through professional learning communities (PLC). Establishing PLC’s creates a group of teachers who collaborate on best practices and share ideas with each other. Furthermore, PLC’s can lead to the model of an “inquiry-oriented” team. This team meets regularly to analyze issues effecting the school. Principals participating in this type of team can also collaborate with other administrators to present their research findings.

There are several benefits to conducting action research. The first benefit is that it provides principals with a meaningful way to enhance their skills as leaders. Administrators are able to become more involved working with others instead of working in isolation. The second benefit is that administrators establish themselves as a role model for teachers and students. This approach demonstrates to others that the principal is the “head learner” and has an interest in continuing to improve their campus. The third benefit is that it leads to best practices at the campus. The final benefit is that principals slow down and reflect critically on their work. Being able to slow allows principals to become proactive and provides ownership of working on one task.

In conclusion, I will be able to use action research no matter what the future holds. Being able to think reflectively will strength myself as a school leader and collaborate with others. I plan on using action research to assess myself and to improve success for all stakeholders.


Dana, N. (2009). Leading with Passion and Knowledge: The Principal as Action Researcher.  Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.