Action Research

What is Action Research?

“A specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice.”

What is Action Research? Key Features

A method used for improving educational practice. Action, evaluation and reflection based on gathered evidence. Changes in practice are implemented.

Collaborative. Carried out by individuals with a common purpose.

Situation based.

Develops reflection based upon the interpretations made by participants.

Knowledge/understanding is developed through action at the point of application.

What is Action Research?

Can involve problem solving if the solution leads to the improvement in practice.

Findings emerge as action develops HOWEVER, they are not conclusive or absolute.

What is Action Research?

“I believe that ultimately the quality of educational experiences provided to children will depend on the ability of a teacher to stand back, question and reflect on his or her practice, and continually strive to make the necessary changes.”

Valsa Koshy 2010

What is Action Research

Research is about generating knowledge.

Action research creates knowledge based on enquiries conducted within specific and often practical contexts.

What is Action Research

Kemmis and Mctaggart describe action research as involving a spiral of self contained cycles :-

Planning and change;

Acting and observing the process and consequences of change;

Refelcting on these processes and consequences and then replanning;

Acting and observing;

Refelcting

And so on…

The Action Research SpiralPlan

Act & observ

e

Refelct

ReplanRefelct

Act & observ

e

What is Action Research?

In reality Kemmis and McTaggert suggest that it might not be quite that simple.

Stages may overlap and initial plans may become obsolete in light of learning from experience.

The Spiral Model

Provides the opportunity to visit a phenomenon at a higher level each time;

Progresses towards greater overall understanding;

The spiral allows practitioners to understand a specific issue within an educational context and make informed decisions through enhanced understanding;

The spiral model is all about empowerment.

O’Leary’s Cycles of Research

Observe

Act

Plan Observe

Act Refelct

Plan

Refelct

Identifying initial ideaReconnaissance(fact finding and analysis)

General plan

Action steps 1

Action steps 2

Action steps 3

Monitor implementation and effects

Revise general idea

Reconnaissance(explain any failure to implement, and effects)

Cycl

e 1

Amended plan

Action steps 1

Action steps 2

Action steps 3

Monitor implementation and effects

Reconnaissance(explain any failure to implement, and effects)

Implement action steps 1

Implement next action steps

Revise general idea

Cycl

e

2

Amended planAction steps 1

Action steps 2

Action steps 3

Monitor implementation and effects

Reconnaissance(explain any failure to implement, and effects)

Implement next action steps

Revise general ideaCycl

e

3

Elliot’s Action Research Model

Word of caution…

Excessive reliance or following the stages or cycles too rigidly, could have an adverse effect on the unique opportunity offered.

Action research has an emerging nature and is flexible in its approach.

The models looked at are just examples. Might be useful to construct your own approach, describing the particular paths of the enquiry you will be making.

And remember…

Action research is a continuous learning process in which the researcher learns and also shares the newly generated knowledge with those who may benefit from it.

The advantages of using Action Research as a Methodology.

Research can be set within a specific context or situation.

Researchers can be participants – they don’t have to be distant or detached from the situation.

It involves continuous evaluation and modifications can be made as the project progresses.

Theory can emerge fro the research rather than always following a previously formulated theory.

The research can lead to open ended outcomes.

Key Words

Modification

Process

Step by step

Problem solving

Reform

Improvement

Better understanding