1. Sharing and reflecting
Chapter 8
Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators (4/e)
Craig A. Mertler SAGE Publications, 2014

2. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Gap between research conducted in education and (supposed) end users of that research
Problem with “converting” research into practically applied results in classrooms, etc.
Often, too technical and do not fit with “daily needs” of a classroom teacher
Do not factor in the practical challenges of applying research findings
The teacher-researcher—and action research— become the missing link

3. Communicating the Results of Action Research
However, simply conducting classroom-based action research is not enough
Results of action research must be shared (formally and informally)
Facilitates the actual “bridging of the divide”
Provides teachers with a voice; research becomes an integral part of the instructional process
The act of sharing results of action research is also a time to celebrate those findings and the process
Helps to create a rewarding, satisfying professional experience

4. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Sharing at the local level
Numerous possible audiences:
Colleagues
Professional discussions; may be very informal
Keep brief; use visual aids
Highlight main aspects of your study
District administration
Members of school board, superintendent, assistant superintendents, directors, building-level administrators
Can help avoid educational malpractice

5. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Sharing within action research communities
Action research community—professional learning community (PLC) made up of educational professionals driven by a common goal of practicing reflective teaching to improve classroom instructional practice or other aspects of the educational process
Key to improved student learning is continuous, job-embedded learning for educators
Can be created within a building or district, or can include multiple districts (typically within small geographic area)
Ideal for lending encouragement and support
Can run the spectrum from informal to formal

6. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Key characteristics of a PLC focused on action research:
A shared mission, vision, values, and goals all focused on student learning;
A collaborative culture;
Collective inquiry into best practices and current reality;
An action orientation, or learning by doing;
A commitment to continuous improvement; and
An orientation focused on results, and not on intentions.

7. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Sharing at professional conferences
Opportunity to share results, experience among much broader community of educators
Additional dialogue, brainstorming, reflection
Great opportunities for networking
Conferences can be statewide, regional, or national
Process of submitting a proposal, acceptance of the proposal, and presentation at the conference

8. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Formats include:
Paper presentations
Symposia or panel presentations
Poster presentations

9. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Sharing in academic journals
Refereed journals
Potential to reach larger audiences
Guidelines
Familiarize yourself with journal you are submitting to
Use clear, reader-friendly writing style
“Guide” your readers through your study
Include summary of methods used
Find ways to keep your readers’ attention
Process of submitting a manuscript, blind review, acceptance of the manuscript, and publishing the article

10. Communicating the Results of Action Research
Sharing in electronic formats
Many opportunities for electronic dissemination exist
Especially online formats
Action research Web sites
Electronic mailing lists
Electronic journals
Must be careful of quality of materials appearing on the Internet
Many school districts have developed their own action research sites for dissemination of work from their educators

11. Reflecting on the Results of Action Research
Reflection (once again!)
Sharing, communicating, disseminating are yet another means of engaging in reflection on the action research process
Opportunity to review what you’ve done and learned
Another chance to introspectively examine your own educational practice
Seize every opportunity to engage in reflective practice: critical to professional growth
Share Disseminate and Celebrate!!!

12. Action research checklist 8
Action Research Checklist 8: Sharing and Disseminating the Results of Action Research ☐ Develop a plan for sharing and communicating the results of your action research. ☐ Will you share the results at the local level? ☐ Will you share them at a broader level? ☐ For a local presentation: ☐ Determine the length of time and setting or format for your presentation. ☐ Develop an outline of the major points of your presentation. ☐ Thoroughly develop your presentation using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi). ☐ Practice your presentation in advance to ensure you stay within your allotted time limits. ☐ For a broader (e.g., conference) presentation: ☐ Select a conference at which you would be interested in presenting. ☐ Following their guidelines, develop and submit your proposal for presenting. ☐ Wait for the decision of the conference organizers. Once you hear that your proposal has been accepted for presentation (!), develop an outline of the major points of your presentation. ☐ Be confident! Good luck!