Advantages of action research in schools

Action research is useful in schools because:

it can be used to investigate any issue of concern
as a tool it is versatile and easy to use
it promotes shared understandings and approaches
actions are developed within, and for, a specific school environment and so are more likely to succeed
members of the school community are more committed to actions that they themselves develop, share and monitor
actions are refined and improved through the cycle of research
change is owned and managed by the participants
students, administrators, teachers, parents and others can take part
collaboration builds trust and support
it can start small and grow over time
outside help and expertise can be invited in.