Action Research is ART

"Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep." ~Scott Adams

This quote is a perfect metaphor to compare art and action research. When conducting action research, you have to be willing to admit weakness. You can't grow unless you're humble enough to realize that you need to grow. You also have to be brave enough to try a new approach, risking possible failure and humiliation. In so doing, you place yourself in a vulnerable position. You don't just settle for the status quo; you set a higher goal and then try to achieve it. In action research, you ask questions, seek answers, and then continue this process until you find the answer you want. You are not guaranteed to find the correct answer the very first time. You must be patient and persistent enough to continue making mistakes until you discover the plan that attains your objective. Thomas Edison failed numerous times before finding the perfect design and materials for his light bulb. The ART of action research is creating something better. You may go through dozens of different "failed" plans, but the ART is in knowing which elements to keep and which elements to discard.

Art is an outlet for the artist and a thing of beauty to the audience. In the same way, action research is an outlet for the educator which ultimately benefits the students. Educators are empowered through their ability to assimilate data and research-based strategies to improve the world in which they live (their school). Likewise, artists are empowered through their ability to combine various colors and mediums to improve their world.

Both action research and art are acts of faith and hope--hope that things can be beautiful and faith that you can help achieve that beauty.