Overview of the action research process Chapter 2 Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators (4/e) Craig A. Mertler SAGE Publications, 2014

The Action Research Process Four stages: The planning stage The acting stage The developing stage The reflecting stage Cyclical, not linear, process Specific steps should serve as guidelines, which should be adapted for certain needs or situations

The Action Research Process

The Action Research Process Specific steps within the four stages:

The Action Research Process Specific steps within the four stages: The planning stage Step 1: Identifying and limiting a topic Step 2: Gathering information Reconnaissance Step 3: Reviewing the related literature Step 4: Developing a research plan Research methodology Research questions/hypotheses (questions tend to be more appropriate) Pay close attention to research ethics

The Action Research Process Specific steps (cont’d.): The acting stage Step 5: Implementing the plan and collecting data Field notes, observations, interviews, questionnaires, surveys, existing documents or records, checklists, rating scales, tests, etc. Step 6: Analyzing the data Differences between the analysis of quantitative data and qualitative data

The Action Research Process Specific steps (cont’d.): The developing stage Step 7: Developing an action plan The “action” part of action research Individual- or group-level The reflecting stage Step 8: Sharing and communicating results Formal or informal Variety of opportunities exist Step 9: Reflecting on the process

The Action Research Process A brief example of action research “in action” Traditional versus backward approaches to teaching American history Steps 1 through 9

Action research checklist 2 Action Research Checklist 2: The Action Research Process ☐ Identify specific sources or types of information you could use during reconnaissance. ☐ Obtain several published research articles related to your topic. ☐ List what you see as advantages and limitations of various data collection techniques. ☐ Identify potential audiences with whom you can share the results of your action research.