LEADING AND FACILITATING EDUCATIONAL CHANGE THROUGH ACTION RESEARCH LEARNING COMMUNITIES

Abstract

This paper reviews the concepts of action research and professional learning communities and their applications in schools, and then discusses the idea of merging the two concepts into action research learning communities. Action research learning communities are professional learning communities comprised of educators and administrators, where action research serves as the “umbrella” mechanism that drives a faculty and staff toward its common mission and vision, and also serves as the common thread for the foundation of collaborative teamwork and professional growth. Roles for teachers, building-level administrators, and district-level administrators within action research learning communities are discussed. Finally, ideas for using these specific learning communities to deepen professional learning and improve student learning are presented.