Transcript Action Research

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
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And so on…

The Action Research Spiral
Plan
Refelct
Act &
observe
Replan
Refelct
Act &
observe
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
Observ
e
Act
Refelct
Observe
Plan
Act
Refelct
Plan
Identifying
initial idea
Amended plan
Reconnaissance
(fact finding and analysis)
Action steps 2
General plan
Monitor
implementation and
effects
Action steps 1
Monitor implementation
and effects
Reconnaissance
(explain any
failure to
implement, and
effects)
Implement
next action
steps
Reconnaissance
(explain any
failure to
Revise general idea
implement, and
effects)
Revise general idea
Elliot’s Action Research
Model
Action steps 2
Implement next
action steps
Action steps 3
Cycle 3
Action steps 3
Implement
action steps 1
Action steps 3
Cycle 2
Cycle 1
Action steps 1
Action steps 2
Amended
plan
Action steps 1
Monitor implementation
and effects
Reconnaissance
(explain any
failure to
Revise general idea
implement, and
effects)
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
Step by step
Reform
Modification
Improvement
Problem solving
Better understanding
Process