Analysis on Action Research

I have learned that Action Research is a thorough evaluation of a person's or organization's actions, methodology, policies, and thought processes.  As a teacher, I have been engaged in informal action research.  Everyday I try to reflect on the lesson plan I created and then determine the effectiveness.  I was not aware of the phrase "action research" until recently when I began this class but I can say that I have been informally engaged in action research.  Action research is teaching me that I need to reflect more and then scientifically evaluate my findings.  It is not good enough to just think about it and then try something different.  Leadership and decision making in administrative positions is much like this.  Each decision you make will be scrutinized by everyone involved and you will be held accountable for each decision.  Every action you take will be met with criticism if you are not successful.  Action research should be a tool that leaders use to measure the effectiveness of their leadership and organizational policies and procedures. I can see that our school district is making a greater effort to involve teachers in Action Research. So many teachers are just waiting to be invited to participate in research studies in which they examine students' preconceptions, or effective teaching strategies. It is through joint research studies that science instruction in the schools will improve, and we need to make a great effort in this regard.