What is Action Research?

This past week I have learned quite a bit about action research.  I must admit that before this week, I would not have been able to tell you anything about it.  Now that I have read about it and saw some examples of it, I realized that I see action research in action often.  Action research is simply a process of research that allows a group to work together to determine a plan of action for improvement.  You start with an open-ended question and set about finding data that helps you determine some solutions.  Together you work collaboratively to break the data and information collected into the best possible plan for your quandary.  The next thing the group needs to do is to implement the plan.  Reflection should be an important part of the process throughout, but is should ongoing throughout the implantation of the plan.  During the final phase of action research, the group pretty much watches and listens and makes changes as needed.  I think the important thing to consider in regards to action research is that it is a joint effort.  It is crucial that everyone is participating and on board with the process.  You want buy-in.  Without buy-in your odds of the plan being followed through are slim.  I almost want to stop referring to the process as “Action Research” and call the process what it is- “Action Planning.”