Action Research

Action Research is a dynamic method of research that differs from traditional methods that most of us are familiar with if we were educated in the American educational system.  Action research requires educators to identify a problem/area of concern in their educational setting.  I.e, teachers in their classroom, students in their community,  or principals in their schools.  (This seems revolutionary in it's simplicity that research would actually be carried out by someone in an area that affects them as opposed to waiting for it to come down from on high.)  Action research also includes the collaborative collection and analysis of data, the creation of a plan of action, and constant reflection throughout the process by those that conduct the research. 
Engaging in this type of research empowers all stakeholders by giving them an active voice in the process, rather than making them passive contributors.  This benefits the educator by providing relevant professional development that keeps the educator intellectually involved in their craft while staving off burnout.  The community is benefited as a result of the tailor-made solution that is created locally, rather than the one-size-fits-all variety that is too common in  our constant state of educational reform.