ACTION RESEARCH Deepshikha Singh

What is Action Research? Action research is a process of systematic reflection, enquiry and action carried out by individuals about their own practice. Action research is a process of systematic reflection, enquiry and action carried out by individuals about their own practice. Action research is a term used to describe professionals studying their own practice in order to improve it. Action research is a term used to describe professionals studying their own practice in order to improve it.

Action Research In Education Action research in education is an enquiry which is carried out in order to understand, evaluate and then to change, in order to improve some educational practices. Action research in education is an enquiry which is carried out in order to understand, evaluate and then to change, in order to improve some educational practices. When applied to teaching, action research involves gathering and interpreting data to better understand an aspect of teaching and learning and applying the outcomes to improve practice. When applied to teaching, action research involves gathering and interpreting data to better understand an aspect of teaching and learning and applying the outcomes to improve practice.

A Brief History Of Action Research The term “action research” was coined by Kurt Lewin, a social-psychologist in 1930s. The term “action research” was coined by Kurt Lewin, a social-psychologist in 1930s. According to Kurt Lewin, social conditions might be enhanced through the group processes that involve four steps- According to Kurt Lewin, social conditions might be enhanced through the group processes that involve four steps- Planning Planning Acting Acting Observing Observing Reflecting Reflecting These steps leads to the development of action research.

Contd…. Development of action research took place in three different stages- Development of action research took place in three different stages- First stage- identification of a process for addressing societal issues. First stage- identification of a process for addressing societal issues. Second stage- improving practice and the need to involve practitioners. Second stage- improving practice and the need to involve practitioners. Third stage- participatory, emancipatory, or community research in which groups assumed responsibility for their own emancipation and change. Third stage- participatory, emancipatory, or community research in which groups assumed responsibility for their own emancipation and change.

Types Of Action Research Design Practical Action Research- enhances the practice of education through the systematic study of a local problem. Practical Action Research- enhances the practice of education through the systematic study of a local problem. Examples of Practical Action Research Examples of Practical Action Research An elementary teacher studies the disruptive behavior of a child in her classroom. An elementary teacher studies the disruptive behavior of a child in her classroom. A college instructor studies his professional development using technology in teaching. A college instructor studies his professional development using technology in teaching.

Contd… Participatory Action Research- Participatory Action Research- collaborative and community based research collaborative and community based research contributes to emancipation or change. contributes to emancipation or change. addresses the social problems that constrain and repress the lives of students and educators. addresses the social problems that constrain and repress the lives of students and educators. Examples: Examples:  Curricula that deny students enrolment.  Assessments that serve to confirm student failure rather than learning.  K-12 classroom interactions that silence and quiet the voices of certain students.  Inequitable distribution of college faculty salaries that favour men over women.

Key Characteristics Of Action Research Addresses Practical Issues Addresses Practical Issues Self-reflective Research Self-reflective Research Collaborative Research Collaborative Research Based on Plan of Action Based on Plan of Action Sharing of Reports Sharing of Reports

Steps In Action Research Identification of a problem- problem to be studied is identified. Identification of a problem- problem to be studied is identified. Locating Resources- to determine what others have learned about solving a particular problem. Locating Resources- to determine what others have learned about solving a particular problem. Data Collection- through experiencing, enquiring and examining. Data Collection- through experiencing, enquiring and examining.

ACTION RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION TECHNIQUES Experiencing Participant observation Privileged, active observer Passive observer Enquiring Informal Interview Structured Formal Interview Questionnaires Attitude Tests Standardized Tests Examining Archival Documents Journals Maps Audio and Video Tapes Artifacts

Contd… Data Analysis- data can be analyzed by the researcher or the help of other educators or data analysts can be sought. Data Analysis- data can be analyzed by the researcher or the help of other educators or data analysts can be sought. Developing a plan for Action- Developing a plan for Action- Presenting the data to important stakeholders. Presenting the data to important stakeholders. Establishing a pilot program Establishing a pilot program Implementing an ongoing research agenda to explore new practices. Implementing an ongoing research agenda to explore new practices.

Contd… Implementation of Plan- to monitor the impact of the proposed solution. Implementation of Plan- to monitor the impact of the proposed solution. Reflection- to know what is learned or gained from implementation of plan. Reflection- to know what is learned or gained from implementation of plan. Sharing of Reports- report is shared with educators that can immediately use the results. Sharing of Reports- report is shared with educators that can immediately use the results.

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