action research in education
TRANSCRIPT
Action Research in Education
Dr. Sankar Prasad MohantyLecturer, Department of Education,
Ravenshaw University, CuttackEmail: [email protected]
May 3, 2023 1
What is Research ?
• Research is a systematic attempt to obtain answers to meaningful questions about phenomena or events.
• Application of Scientific Method in study of a problem
• It involves objective, impartial , empirical and logical analysis and recording of controlled observations that may lead to development of principles, theories, generalizations etc.
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Educational Research
• Classroom teachers are most likely consumers of research
• Research is one means of seeking answers to questions• Familiar sources of information for our questions
– Tradition (ways in which we have behaved in the past; interventions in past and their effect on today)
– Authority (opinions of experts; expert supports)– Common sense (human reasoning to answer a
question)
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• Scientific Method—systematic method of answering questions more objectively– Clarify main question/problem– State a hypothesis– Collect, analyze, and interpret information– Form conclusions– Use conclusions to verify/reject the hypothesis
• Educational research—application of scientific method to educational topics or questions– Process very similar to scientific method…
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• Generic process of educational research:– Specify the topic– Clarify the specific problem on which the research
will focus– Formulate research questions and/or hypotheses– Carry out procedures to collect, analyze, and
interpret data– State findings resulting from data analyses– Draw conclusions related back to
questions/hypotheses
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– Quantitative research methods• Require numerical data• Utilize deductive reasoning (‘top-down’
approach)
– Qualitative research methods• Require narrative data• Utilize inductive reasoning (‘bottom-up’
approach)
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Quantitative Research– Measure variables in order to test hypotheses or
answer research questions– Research designs may be nonexperimental or
experimental:• Non-experimental designs:
–No direct control over variables (i.e., no manipulation)
–Descriptive studies or designs–Comparative studies or designs–Correlational studies or designs–Causal-comparative studies or designs
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• Experimental designs:–Researcher has control over one or more
variables– Independent and dependent variables–Experimental (or treatment) and control
(or comparison) groups–Descriptive and inferential statistics–Statistical significance–Samples versus populations
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Qualitative Research
– Broader, more holistic approach to research– No control or manipulation of variables– Triangulation is a key process– Utilizes logico-inductive analysis– Numerous research designs exist:
• Phenomenological studies• Ethnographic studies• Grounded theory research• Case studies
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Mixed-methods research
– Studies that combine both quantitative and qualitative data
– Many individuals consider action research studies to be most similar to mixed-methods research (than purely quantitative or qualitative research)
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Deductive Reasoning vs. Inductive Reasoning
Theory
Hypothesis
Data
Confirmation
Patterns
Tentative hypothesis
Theory
Observations
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Types of Research
Basic ResearchApplied ResearchAction Research
Basic Research
Basic research is designed to add to an organized body of scientific knowledge and does not necessarily produce results of immediate practical value
Formulation of theory Contribution to the existing body of knowledge To obtain/use empirical data to formulate, expand or
evaluate theory Pure or fundamental research From physical sciences Discovery of knowledge for the sake of knowledge Little/No concern for application of findings or social
usefulness of the findingsMay 3, 2023 13
Applied ResearchApplied research is undertaken to solve immediate ,
specific and practical problemsScientific method of inquiry is usedNot so rigorous as in case of basic researchApplied research as the name implies, is conducted for
the purpose of applying, testing, theory and evaluate its usefulness in solving educational problems
Most educational research studies are applied research studies
Basic research is concerned with establishing general principles of learning and applied research is concerned with its utility in educational settings
Both are inseparableMay 3, 2023 14
Example• Research conducted with animals to determine
principles of reinforcement and effects on learning
• Applied research tests these principles to determine their effectiveness in improving learning (Programmed instruction) and behaviour ( behavior modification)
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Action Research
• Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice, systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research.
• Action research is a process of systematic reflection, enquiry and action carried out by individuals about their own practice.
• Action research is a term used to describe professionals studying their own practice in order to improve it.
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• Action research can be described as a family of research methodologies which pursue ACTION (or Change) and RESEARCH (or Understanding) at the same time.
• Action research has the potential to generate genuine and sustained improvements in schools
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What Is A R?
• The process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to guide, correct, and evaluate their decisions and actions is what a number of people have called action research.
(Stephen, M. Corey)
Researcher is the Practitioner himself.
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• Systematic inquiry conducted by teachers, administrators, and Policy makers with a vested interest in the teaching– learning process or environment for purpose of gathering information about how their particular school operates, how they teach, and how their students learn (Mills, 2003)
• Research done by teachers for themselves
• Systematic inquiry into one’s own practices
• Research then has increased utility, effectiveness
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• Reflection…– Act of critically examining one’s own practice (i.e.,
what you do, why you do it, what are its effects)– Integral part of action research process– Reflective teaching—process of developing lessons
with thoughtful consideration of theory, existing research, and practical experience, along with examination of lesson’s effect on student learning
– Process of systematic collection of information followed by active reflection, with the anticipation of improving the teaching–learning process is at the core of action research
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Types of Action Research Design
• Practical Action Research- enhances the practice of education through the systematic study of a local problem.
Examples of Practical Action ResearchAn elementary teacher studies the disruptive
behavior of a child in her classroom.A college instructor studies his professional
development using technology in teaching.
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Contd…• Participatory Action Research- collaborative and community based research contributes to emancipation or change.addresses the social problems that constrain and
repress the lives of students and educators. Examples:Curricula that deny students enrolment.Assessments that serve to confirm student failure
rather than learning.K-12 classroom interactions that silence and quiet
the voices of certain students.Discriminatory allocation of college faculty salaries
that favour men over women.
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Uses
• Bridge the gap between theory and practice• Improvement of Educational Practices• Teacher empowerment: Teacher as decision
maker• Professional growth opportunities for teachers• Identify educational problems• To develop and test solutions• To expand the knowledge of teachers
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Four-stages procedure
• The planning stage• The acting stage• The developing stage• The reflecting stage
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Eight Steps in action research
1. Identifying and Limiting the problem.2. Analyzing the causes of relevant to the problem
(Review of related Literature)3. Developing a research Plan (Hypothesis/
Research questions)4. Implementing the Plan and Collecting data5. Analyzing the Data6. Developing an Action Plan 7. Sharing and communicating of results; 8. Reflecting on the process
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Detail Steps In Action Research• Identifying and Limiting the problem
problem to be studied is identified; What to study; Professional experiences
• Review of related Literature: Locating Resources to determine what others have learned about solving
a particular problem
• Objectives of the research and Formulation of the hypotheses or Research Questions
Fundamental question inherent in research problem; provides guiding structure to the study
• Data Collection through experiencing, enquiring and examining.
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ACTION RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES
Experiencing
Participant observation
Privileged, active observer
Passive observer
EnquiringInformal InterviewStructured Formal InterviewQuestionnairesAttitude TestsStandardized Tests
Examining Archival Documents Journals MapsAudio and Video TapesArtifacts
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Contd…• Data Analysisdata can be analyzed by the researcher or the help
of other educators or data analysis can be sought.
• Developing a plan for Action-Presenting the data to important stakeholders.Establishing a pilot program Implementing an ongoing research agenda to
explore new practices.
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Contd…• Implementation of Plan
to monitor the impact of the proposed solution
• Sharing and Communicating the Results report is shared with educators that can
immediately use the results• Reflection
to know what is learned or gained from implementation of plan
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Types of the problems that can be considered under Action Research
• Teaching and Learning• Testing and Evaluation• Co-curricular Activities• School Management and Administration
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Related to Teaching and Learning Conceptual clarity Suitable teaching methodology Teacher – taught relationship Conducive environment for studies Problems of communication among students Home work Speech problems Spelling problems Expression Pronunciation Indifference towards study Late coming to class
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Testing and evaluation Problems related to construction of test Administration of test Improving achievement of the students through
testing Providing more alternatives in the question
paper. Striking a balance between essay type and
objective type questions. Developing diagnostic tests, their use and related
problems Relating testing with teaching
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Co-curricular activities Lack of interest in co-curricular activities Problem in organizing co-curricular activities Lack of enthusiasm and interest on the part of the
teachers Problem of systematic organization of co-curricular
activities Lack of requisite facilities for organizing co-curricular
activities. Problem of integrating curricular and co-curricular
activities. Cooperation Leadership qualities Socialization
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School management and Administration Teaching, evaluation etc. Teaching environment in the school Student unions and teacher unions School discipline Library related problems Cleanliness in the school Teaching aids related problems Teacher student relations Raising the standard of school
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Testing questions for selecting problem
1. Is the selection of problem based on the specific facts?
2. Will it affect the working of the institution positively?3. Is the problem being studied keeping in view the
conditions of the institution?4. Is the problem directly related to the researcher5. Is the solution of the problem possible within the
limits of the institution?6. Has the major aspects of the problem thoroughly
been analyzed?
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Testing questions (Contd.)
7. Has the problem been defined and delimited properly?
8. Is the problem important in the development of the institution?
9. Is it possible to create conducive environment for carrying out action research?
10. Is the researcher interested in the problem?11. Can the researcher solve the problem
successfully on the basis of his abilities?12. Is the opinion of the experts available for
research?May 3, 2023 36
THANK YOU
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