What is Action research?

Action Research is a non-traditional methodology of educational research. It allows for the participants to be the practitioners of the research rather than having them rely on outside sources, as traditional methods do. The ability for an administrator to use personal reflections and ideology to form the basis of the research allows them to better benefit from the results. thus intern creates a better educational environment from the top down, improving the school setting and the teachers under their administration. Practitioner participation also provides for more meaningful results due to the fact that the research is lead by those with a stake in the results and solutions to the problem, as well as the knowledge of any underlying situations that could influence results. This provides more relevant results, as opposed to relying on outside researchers who do not always have a full understanding of the situation or problem being researched.
Personally, I can see action research being a benefit to my development as an administrator. By being involved in the research instead of an observer, can only increase the knowledge and understanding one has of a solution and also allows one to apply what is learned in a more individualized manner, creating growth as an educator.