ACTION RESEARCH
Lesson 1 Understanding Action Research
Action research is a process of systematic inquiry into self-identified teaching or learning problem to
better understand its complex dynamics and to develop strategies geared towards the problem’s
improvement (Hamilton and Zaretsky 1997). It is a disciplined process of inquiry aimed to develop
solutions to various issues and problems related to teaching and learning. It is a techniques that guides
every teacher to systematically and critically reflect on different teaching and learning process.
Specifically, it is:
A process of taking a scientific action to improve teaching and learning;
Is typically designed and conducted by teachers who analyze data from their school and
classroom experiences to improve their own teaching and learning practice; and
A type of applied research in which the teacher-researcher is actively involved in the process of
study.
It empowers every teacher to meet all challenges in the teaching profession related to the implementation
of the curriculum.
It enables teachers to examine their teaching practices and experiences in relation to an educational
theory.
The teacher is the doer of the action, which means it is the teacher who plans, develops, and implements
the research and at the end takes informed action to implement the purposes of the study.
Lesson 2 Purposes of Action Research
Action research can be participated by an individual teacher or a group of teachers who has a common
concern in the field of teaching and learning. It provides an opportunity for professional development and
collaboration.
Purposes of action research:
1. It allows teachers to understand the nature of educational issues and problems.
2. It helps teachers propose solutions to educational issues and problems.
3. It develops teachers to become empowered reflective practitioners.
4. It creates progress on school priorities.
5. It develops a school culture.
6. It develops professional collaboration among teachers.
7. It helps teachers to develop curricular and instructional innovations.
8. It builds a professional culture in school.
9. It provides an opportunity for teachers to improve their teaching skills.
10. It responds to the learning needs of students.
Lesson 3 Selecting Topics and Questions for Action Research
Conducting action research becomes more interesting if the topics and research questions are mentally
engaging. Many research failed because the topics are irrelevant and the questions are invalid. Some
research do not also reflect an educational issue that needs an immediate response. Thus teacher-
researchers should know how to select good topics and develop good research questions based on the
topics selected.
Petterson et al. (1993)
1. Set aside 10 minutes to write a reflection at the end of each day.
2. At the end of two weeks, read your journal, look for significant ideas and themes that could be
done for research.
3. Brainstorm a list of things that you would like to investigate.
4. Review the list and write the first draft of your question.
5. Write a paragraph of supporting rationale for your question.
6. Reflect on your question.
Alberta Teachers’ Association suggested the used of affinity charting for collaborative action research.
1. Brainstorm issues of concern or interests relating to your educational context. Record each item
on a separate note.
2. Group your items using affinity charting. Place the most diverse statements on a table in a row.
Place items that have a common theme or focus in each column.
3. Review and reflect on the placement. Do some items fit better in a different column?
4. Develop a draft research questions that reflect the key issue in each column.
5. Choose the question that interests you the most and is possible to study.
The following are suggested to be considered by the teacher-researchers in selecting research questions:
1. The questions should not be answerable by yes or no.
2. The questions could provide opportunities for deeper exploration and reflection on education
issues.
3. The questions should reflect the variable mentioned in the research title.
4. The data needed to answer the questions are accessible.
5. The questions can be studied within the time frame set for the action research.
6. The question should focus on understanding issues and providing solutions.
Examples:
1. How does four-pronged approach improve the reading comprehension of Grade 2 pupils?
2. What are the participation of parents and other stakeholders in the implementation of the school
reforms?
3. What indigenous knowledge could be integrated in science?
Lesson 4 Action Research Process
Planning
Identifying the topic
Write a good introduction or rational for the study
Identify the research questions
Write the literature review
Plan the methodology, data gathering procedure, and data analysis procedure
Identify the research participants
Develop the research tools that will be used
Acting
Implementing the research plan
Collecting data
Reflecting on the process and making necessary revisions
Observing
Analyze results
Collating findings
Discussing and providing interpretation of the results
Reflecting
Evaluating the process
Reflecting on the findings
Developing recommendations for improvement
Identifying Action
Sharing the findings with colleagues
Planning action for recommendations
Implementing recommendations
Outline for the Action Research Report
Introduction
What is the background and rationale of the study?
What was the research question?
What is the significance of the study?
Review of the Literature
What do other research say about the topic?
What theory support the action research?
Methodology
What is the research method used?
Who are the research participants or samples?
What are the research tools used?
Where did you conduct the research?
What are the data gathering procedures?
How did you analyze the data?
Results and Conclusions
What are the answers to the research questions?
What is the interpretation of the results?
What conclusion can be made based on the findings?
Implications and Recommendations
What lessons are learned from doing this study?
How can this study be useful to other teachers and schools?
What actions can you recommend based on the results of the action research?
Lesson 5 Using Action Research to Improve Teaching and Learning Practices
The teacher-researchers should ensure that the results of their action research is disseminated properly to
other teachers and schools. The results and recommendations should be translated into positive strategies
or actions that will be utilized to
improve curriculum and instruction,
enhance school policies,
improve teaching practices, and
develop a positive school environment.
