EDP125 Action Research Assignment 2 Group C1 Patricia 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 predetermined answers 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 Research Traditional ResearchAction 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 Professional Development. The collaborative nature of action research. Retrieved October 2, 2009, from faculty.edfac.usyd.edu.au/projects/NSWhistory/actio n_research_report1.html#Journeying Through Action Researchhttp://www-