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