What IS Action research?

As outlined in Action Research, there are 4 stages of research, along with multiple steps in each. These steps are planning, taking action, developing, and reflecting (Mertler, 2017). This process is systematic in approach, much like that of the scientific method (question, research, hypothesize, test, analyze, conclude) but I believe the main difference may be the cyclical apporach that action research employs. There is always another acton step to be done after reflecting, and often, the reflection changes the question and adjusts the actions to be taken.

Though I am not certain of the specific question I am asking, I do know that it will include buidling leadership capacity among digitally competent teachers in a cohort, There is an established group that focuses on learning the tech tools, however I firmly believe the power lies in equipping teaches to find and learn the tools they need in context of their lessons. Rather than flood these leaders with tech tip after tip that is readily available via all sorts of social media or a quick google, the cohort would empower them to teache strategies to their colleagues and students to cuild the skills of curation and creation. I feel like I bagan in the reflection phase and am in the thick of action and development. However, to have any data built, anything substantial to show for this cohort facelift, I need to formulate a good and solid question.

I will be sure to adhere to the considerations presented my Mertler including my interest, the importance of this reserach, the amount of time it may take, any anticipated difficulties, and what possible costs I may face.

Some possible questions I have in mind are:

• How can building leadership capacity in teachers build currators and creators among their colleagues and students?

• What are the benefits of learning and teaching the skill of digital curation?

• Can connection to classroom content improve engagement in an elementary computer lab setting?

Reference

Mertler, C. A. (2017). Action research: improving schools and empowering educators. SAGE.