1. Action Research in Education
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

2. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Jack Whitehead, Action Research, Principles and Practice, McNiff, 1988, ix
“We must find a way of bridging the traditional divide between educational theory and professional practice.”
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

3. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Definition
Action research is a research that ANY of us can do on his or her own practice to improve it.
It can be conducted without the assistance or guidance of professional researchers in order to improve strategies, practices, and knowledge of the environments within which they practice.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

4. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Definition
Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice, systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

5. What is Action Research?
Action research is inquiry or research in the context of focused efforts to improve the quality of a PRACTICE.
It is typically designed and conducted by practitioners who analyze the data to improve their own practice.
Action research can be done by individuals or by teams of colleagues. The team approach is called collaborative inquiry.
Action research has the potential to generate genuine and sustained improvements in schools.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

6. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Why Action Research?
AR gives educators new opportunities to reflect on and assess their teaching.
It is a chance to explore and test new ideas, methods, and materials.
It allows a teacher to assess how effective the new approaches were.
It provides opportunities to share feedback with fellow team members.
It empowers teachers to make data-driven decisions about which new approaches to include in their practice.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

7. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Why Action Research?
It is participatory.
It is “from within” and not from an external “expert’s eye.”
Very real “presences” can emerge in the dynamically unfolding relations which can teach us new ways of conducting our practice.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

8. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
Why Action Research?
It is the most logical way of doing research on societal and community issues.
Sometimes, it does not make sense to go to an outsider, with limited or no knowledge of the given situation, thinking that with a few questions, he or she can get enlightening answers.
It is difficult to grasp the issues of a group or community by an outsider who has limited interaction with the group.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

9. Characteristics of Action Research
It is an emergent process which takes shape as understanding increases; 
It is an iterative process which converges towards a better understanding of what happens;
It is participative (Change is usually easier to achieve when those affected by the change are involved) and qualitative.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

10. Suggested Model from TNLI
Improving Your Practice
Making the Commitment
Making Sense of Experience
Designing a Study
Beginning Again

11. Clarifying a General Idea and an Area of Focus
Statement/Observation: Students do not seem to be engaged during teen theater productions.
Questions: How can I improve their engagement ?
Statement. Observation: Students take a lot of time to learn problem solving in mathematics, but this process doesn’t appear to transfer to their acquisition of other mathematics skills and knowledge.
Question: How can I improve the integration and transfer of problem-solving skills in mathematics?
Statement/Observation: Parents are unhappy with regular parent-teacher conferences.
Question: How can I improve the conferencing process using student-led conferences?
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

12. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
A dynamic process
Dynamic process of spiraling back and forth among reflection, data collection, and action
Does not follow a linear pattern
Does not follow a causal sequence from problem to action
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

13. Data Collection: Unique for your study
Action Research
Data Collection Techniques
(The Three E’s)
Examining
Experiencing
Enquiring
(by using records)
(By observing)
(By asking)
Participant Observation
(Active participant)
Archival documents
Informal Interview
Journals
Structured formal
Interview
Maps
Audio and
Videotapes
Passive Observer
Questionnaires
Attitude Scales
Artifacts
Standardized Tests
Fieldnotes
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

14. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
10 Coping Strategies Jean McNiff, Action Research, Principles and Practice, McNiff,1988,
1. Don't Give Up 2. Enlist the Help of Colleagues 3. Keep a Positive Attitude 4. Be Prepared to Compromise 5. Be Generous 6. Go Public 7. Join a Local Action Research Group or create your own PLC 8. Establish a Reputation for Success 9. Publish Reports in Journals 10. Have Faith in Your Own Knowledge.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

15. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
10 Guidelines for Teachers Fullan and Hargreaves (1991), quoted in Change Forces, Fullan, 1993, 144
Locate, listen to and articulate your inner voice
Practice reflection in action, on action, and about action.
Develop a risk-taking mentality.
Trust processes as well as people.
Appreciate the total person in working with others.
Commit to working with colleagues.
Redefine your role to extend beyond the classroom.
Push and support principals and other administrators to develop interactive professionalism.
Commit to continuous improvement and perpetual learning.
Monitor and strengthen the connection between your development and students' development.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

16. Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008
For Further Thought
What general ideas do you have for action research?
What is your area of focus?
Complete the following statement: “The purpose of the study is to…”
Conduct an initial search of the related literature using ERIC on-line
Create a do-able plan and enlist supportive colleagues for feedback and help in gathering data.
Adapted from Dr. Tarek Chebbi, FIU, 2008

17. Action Research Links Purchase a publication: http://arj.sagepub.com/
Download the Green Handout :
Other pdf on Action Research from Brown University:
Other Helpful Link:
My wikipage on my research (with links to others’ research in the cohort from E. E. Ford).