ACTION RESEARCHThis presentation looks at:

1. Purpose

2. Value

3. Methodology

Of Action research.

Action research is ........Problem Solving –

A quest for knowledge

“A reflective process of progressive problem solving” (Action research,2009).

Systematic studies of children whilst in school to help aid more efficient teaching and address problems. (McDevitt & Ormond, 2010).

How do we define Action Research?

“A process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully” (Ferrance, 2009).

A collaborative activity among teachers searching for solutions and improvements to identified problem areas. (Ferrance, 2009).

Components of Action Research

The 5 C’S..

CommitmentCollaborationConcernConsiderationChange, (Borgia & Schuler, 1997).

The value of Action Research.

Bridges the gap between theory and practice

Creates more positive relationships within the classroom

Enhances teachers professional growth and development

Facilitates teacher empowerment

Action research bridges the gap between theory and practice through:

Direct observationStudy of a real

problem or situation.Acknowledgement of

teachers daily needs

Why is it that theories do not always help establish best practice?Often they do not

directly relate to classroom experience

May not meet daily needs/time constraints

Tends to focus on hypothetical situations

Action research Creates more positive relationships within the classroom by;

Identifying and solving problems

Showing an interest in individual learning

Creating a more caring atmosphere

Improving practice to encourage more productive learning

Enhancing teachers professional growth and development

Creates greater awareness Improves knowledge and

skills specific to classroom practice

Encourages development of new ideas.

Expansion of knowledgeGives teachers ownership

of their profession

Action research helps teachers become empowered!

Make their own decisions about what is needed in the classroom

Have control over development of best practice

Improve practice, instilling a sense of power so positive changes can be made.

Methodology of Action Research

Identify Focus Develop

Research plan Plan

Collect DataAnalyse

Data

Implement Action Plan

Review and

Share

Develop Research Plan

Qualitative Quantitative

Involvement

Permission Training Sensitivity Confidentiality

Participants

Ethics

Method

Data Collection Relevance Questionnaires Interviews Observations Achievement Tests Children’s Journals Existing Records Validity and Reliability

Analyse and Interpret DataReduction of dataRelate to Research

QuestionSort, Sift, Discard,

CatalogueQuantitative /

QualitativeSystematic search for

Categories, Patterns, Themes

Develop an Action Plan Application of plan –

individual / collaborative Defined structure Implement Strategies

and Interventions carefully

Document plan and collect data

Reflecting, Reviewing & Communicating

Critical and Systematic

Determine effectiveness of Action Plan

Ask questionsShare and

Communicate Results