"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet. "
This quote by Juliet, from the play Romeo and Juliet, describes action research for me. Action research, practitioner research, practitioner inquiry, are all names used to describe the process of introspection of one's own practices. "Simply stated, practitioner inquiry is defined as systematic, intentional study of one's own professional practice." (Leading with passion and knowledge: The Principal as Action Research, Dana 9) It is the practice of reflecting back for the purpose of change. Action research is not a practice of investigation of knowledge from an outside source. It is a "man in the mirror" approach to one's own professional practices. It seeks to change what does not work. It allows, in the profession of principal, a practice of professional development that is practical and useful. This inquiry practice allows the principal to take an honest approach at what he or she does. It is like flying an airplane. If the pilot does not investigate the direction the plane is traveling then the possibility the plane of reaching the wrong destination is greater. The pilot must constantly investigate the direction the plane is going.
This type of research will be beneficial to an educator if it is put into practice. Just like anything else in life, if one does not practice the change of behavior nothing is ever changed.
