What I have learned about action research and How I might be able to use it

After completing the reading and watching videos, I feel I have learned a great deal about action research.  Initially, I was a little overwhelmed with the thought of compiling and action research plan.  After completing the text book readings by Harris and Dana and the video by Dr Aterbury and Dr. Jenkins, I found the information extremely resourceful and soon put my mind at ease.  Action research is the ability to study realistic situations or problems that one may face at their current place of employment.  This process creates ownership and becomes more likely for a change or improvement to occur due to this ownership in the problem and possible solutions.   Action Research is a continuous cycle of studying, reflecting and changing based on inquiries done. Simply stated what successful teachers do after completing units or certain TEKS for a class.  It promotes important feedback on effective practices and improvements needed, allows for new understandings to current situations, and allows the opportunity to share these  results and new understandings with others.  Action research allows for self -reflection and personal job analysis in order to improve yourself instead of relying on an outside source for evaluation of the job, needs, or successes of that person.