Student Action Research: Reaping the Benefits for Students and School Leaders

Student action research projects have the potential to bring great benefits to students, their schools, and their communities. These projects have the unique capacity to motivate and empower youth to not only view their lives and their futures in different and better ways but to be proactive in changing their lives. Participation in student action research also helps youth develop critical academic and social skills, particularly important for students who have been historically underrepresented in college admission and enrollment. Moreover, student action research gives young people the tools they need to meaningfully participate in civic life by taking action of all kinds in their schools and communities to promote positive change. Young people stand to gain a great deal from their participation in such projects, as do adults. Student action research projects are exciting and hopeful opportunities for adults in schools to work with young people in new and positive ways. Moreover, principals may find that the research results can help them in their work as school leaders. This article reviews research and writing on student action research, describing different types of student action research initiatives, the benefits of this powerful practice, and how principals can manage implementation challenges.

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