EDP125 Action Research Assignment 2
Group C1Patricia Chandler, Denise Coffey, Sarah Collins, Karen Cook, Lisa Cooke
What is Action Research?
OBSERVE
REFLECTACT
PLAN
Action research is a process of change,
but not just change for change's sake;
it is change specifically directed
towards improvement.
Helps to identify problems and seek solutions systematically.
Can be used at all levels and in all areas of education.
Student Advantages
Accelerated Learning Build on student knowledge
Teacher Advantages
Refining their own professional practice Sense of ownership Empowerment
simple problem solving
done to or by other people
simple implementation of predeterminedanswers
conclusive
a fad
Action Research Is NOT:
Planning
• Identify the issues to be changed•Looking elsewhere for information•Develop the questions and research methods to be used
•Develop a plan related to specific environment or situation
Stage 1
Acting
•Trialling the change following the plan
•Collecting and compiling evidence•Questioning the process and making changes as required
Stage 2
Observing
•Analyse the evidence•Collating the findings•Writing the report•Sharing your findings with participants
Stage 3
Reflecting
•Evaluating the first cycle of the process
•Implementing new findings or strategy
•Revisiting the process
Stage 4
Achieving Outcomes
Removes the gap between deciders and the doers.
Together they decide the action, process and participate.
Generates commitment.
How does action research achieve outcomes?
Traditional Research Vs Action ResearchTraditional Research Action Research
Who Conducts the research?
Conducted by university professors, scholars and graduate students
Conducted by teachers and principals on students in their care
Where is the research conducted?
In environments where variables are able to be controlled
School and classrooms
How is the research conducted?
Using quantitative methods to show, to some predetermined degree of statistical significance, a cause effect between relationship and variable
Using qualitative methods to describe what is happening and to understand the effects of some educational intervention
Why is the research done?
To report and publish conclusions that can be generalized to larger populations
To take action and effect positive educational change in the specific school environment that was studied.
Action research can be used for:
Teaching strategies
Learning needs / learning styles
Behavioural management
Literacy
Technology
Formative Assessment
Parent Involvement / support.
References Hendricks, C. (2009). Improving Schools through Action
Research: A comprehensive Guide for Educators. USA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Mertler, C. (2006). Action Research: Teachers as Researchers in the Classroom. USA: Sage Publications, Inc.
Mills, G. E. (2003). Action Research A Guide for the Teacher Researcher. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
The University of Sydney. (2002) Action Research Report 1 : Action Research as ProfessionalDevelopment. The collaborative nature of action research. Retrieved October 2, 2009, from http://www-faculty.edfac.usyd.edu.au/projects/NSWhistory/action_research_report1.html#Journeying Through Action Research