Action Research, Administrator Inquiry

Administrator inquiry is the process of a principal engaging in a study of her own administrative practices and taking action based on the findings of the inquiry. Inquiring professionals seek out changes and reflect on their practice by posing questions, collecting and analyzing data along with readings relevant literature, making changes in practice due to new understandings researched and sharing the results with others.

Action research starts with the practitioner as the storyteller and all research comes from the inside. Data and findings come straight from the ones who work in the trenches. The questions are developed by the principal themselves; the one who will implement the findings in order to change and improve the school. 

As a result of action research, the principal grows professionally and with the support of leadership team, they are engaging in literature discussions and applying it to their own practices. The principal is the “head learner”, therefore is a role model to staff and students. This process also discovers new practices that can succeed at the school. 

Time for reflection is an important aspect of action research because it enables leaders to make informed administrative decisions and to feel better about the important decisions they make on a day to day basis. One way to incorporate administrative inquiry into your daily life is to make inquiry a part of something you are already doing such as evaluating annual reports.