Action Research

If one of our goals as educators is to develop life-long learners in our students, then the concept of action research is a logical conclusion for the principal as the instructional leader of the school. As professionals, we should seek to learn more about our profession and how to improve ourselves and by doing so, increase student achievement.
Action research is not simply a book study or a workshop that may or may not apply to the context of your school. Action research is instead driven by "wonderings" that directly apply to your situation or an observation you have made (Dana, 2009). By seeking more information in professional literature that relates to your "wonderings", then you apply that knowledge to the methods or approach you have been using, make comparisons as to what improvements you should make.
Then, measure the effect of any changes that you make to evaluate if it indeed contributes to an increase in student achievement. If so, how so? If not, then why not? Then as a professional in education, you should share your experiences. If you are successful, then help other teachers to become successful as well so that the students benefit from the process. And likewise, if your efforts prove to have little to no effect, or if they are a detriment to students, then this information should be shared as well in order to spare any other setbacks than what have already been made.

Dana, N.F. (2009). Leading with passion and knowledge: The principal as action researcher. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press.