Action research is a process where educators systematically examine and reflect on their own practices to improve student outcomes. It involves identifying an issue, developing a plan to address it, implementing changes, analyzing data, and reflecting on results. The goal is to empower teachers, foster collaboration, gain knowledge, and promote positive social change.
2. Definition : Action Research
Action Research is a process in
which participants examine their own
educational practice systematically
and carefully, using the techniques of
research.
(Watts, 1985, p.118)
3. Action research can be described as a family of research
methodologies which pursue ACTION (or Change) and RESEARCH
(or Understanding) at the same time.
To improve the quality of a PRACTICE.
Conducted by practitioners who analyze the data to improve their own
practice.
Done by individuals or by teams of colleagues
Action research has the potential to generate genuine and sustained
improvements in schools
4. AR gives educators new opportunities to reflect on and assess their
teaching
To explore and test new ideas, methods, and materials
To assess how effective the new approaches
To share feedback with fellow team members
To make decisions about which new approaches to include in the practice
Why Action Research is Important?
5. Steps in Action Research
Within all the definitions of action research, there are four basic themes;
Empowerment of participants
Collaboration through participation
Acquisition of knowledge
Social changes.
8. 1. Identify the Problem Area
There are several criteria to consider before investing the time and effort in
"researching” a problem. The question should
be a higher-order question- not a yes/no
be stated in common language, avoiding jargon
be concise
be meaningful
not already have an answer
9. Collection of Data
The collection of data is an important step in
deciding what action needs to be taken.
Multiple sources of data are used to better
understand the scope of happenings in the
class room or school.
10. There are many vehicles for collection of data:
Interviews
Portfolios
Journals
Diaries
Video and Audio tapes
Case Studies
Surveys Field Notes
Checklist
Questionnaires
Logs of Meetings
Individual Files
Self-assessment
Records – tests, report cards, attendance
11. Review of Literature
“Related literature” can be loosely defined as any existing
source of information that can shed light on the topic
selected for investigation.
These sources of information might include
Professional books
Research journals
Complete Web sites or individual Web pages
School or district documents (Creswell, 2005; Johnson,
2008).
12. There really is no limit to what can be used as related literature because
the purpose of reviewing this information is to help the teacher-
researcher make informed decisions about the research focus and plan.
This related information can provide guidance for defining or limiting
the problem, for developing an appropriate research design, or for
selecting legitimate instruments or techniques for collecting data
(Parsons & Brown, 2002).
Again, this activity provides an opportunity for the action research to
connect existing theory and research to actual classroom practice
(Johnson, 2008).
13. Develop an Action Plan(Methodology)
Identified the problem, described your vision
( methodology) how to successfully solve it.
Brainstorming and reviewing the literature should
have provided you with ideas for new techniques and
strategies you think will produce better results.
Focus your attention on the variables–the parts of
the formula you believe your actions can impact.
14. Criteria for selecting good action
research strategies
Reliability and Validity are applicable to the action-research
strategy.
For Example ; TEACHING METHODOLOGY
15. IMPLEMENTATION AND ANALYZE
THE DATA
A data analysis plan is a roadmap for how you're going
to organize and analyze your survey data—and it
should help you achieve three objectives that relate to the goal
you set before you started your survey
The motive behind data analysis in research is to present
Accurate
Reliable data.
16. Methods of Data Analysis
There are two main methods of Data Analysis:
Qualitative Analysis.
This approach mainly answers questions such as 'why,'
'what' or 'how. ...
Quantitative Analysis.
Generally, this analysis is measured in terms of
numbers. .
17. Results
The Evidence used to generate claims or action is clearly
documented; the action taken as a result of the research is tracked; the
findings are accessible to the consumer and relatable to their practice.
On the one hand, reflection is an essential condition for action research.
Reflection in action research makes the teacher aware of the various
forms of knowledge and action in education, of the tensions and
contradictions between the two, and of what is required to manage all
of this.
18. conclusion
When writing your conclusion, you can consider the steps
below to help you get started:
Restate your research topic.
Restate the thesis.
Summarize the main points.
State the significance or results.
Conclude your thoughts
19. Benefits of action research
Focus on school issue, problem or area of collective interest.
Form of teacher professional development.
Collegial interactions.
Potential to impact school change.
Reflect on own practice.
Improved communications
It provides an opportunity for reflection.
It identifies measures of success.
