What is action research?

Action research is often used in education in an effort to solve problems collaboratively.  Recently, I have had the opportunity to lead an action research committee to examine and utilize creative sources of funding for my district.  This is all part of the district's initiative to implement strategic planning.  In this process, a committee of stakeholders met to identify the and draft the district's vision and mission.  From that, they identified five key areas that needed to be addressed to develop action plans from to support the district's beliefs.  One of the key strands identified was to pursue creative sources of funding to support the district's initiatives.  My committee is assigned this particular strand.  We have participated in some very engaging conversations in which we are examining grant opportunities, corporate partnerships, and creative fundraising.  The process of action research allows us to come together as a group of professionals and collaboratively analyze a problem and generate multiple viable options as solutions.