Action research is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted by and for those taking action. The primary reason for engaging in action research is to assist the “actor” in improving and/or refining their actions.
Students who are required to conduct action research often find the process to be compelling. One of the foremost benefits of action research is that it is always relevant to the participants.
Here are some simple action research examples:
- A teacher modifies their teaching approach to help students who struggle with maths.
- To improve student attendance and academic results, a school can refine its policies.
Action Research Methodology
The action research methodology follows a cycle or steps like:
- Planning: The first step is to write a winning proposal that establishes your research problem and determines the research’s approach and direction. Action research problems play a crucial role in advancing the research to a level equal to or surpassing existing literature. A good action research dissertation is data-driven rather than being theory-driven
- Acting: Working on the action plan to solve the problem.
- Observing: Collecting the information by observing the results.
- Reflecting: Analyse the previous data and make an action plan for the next steps.
This process is repeated until the researchers find the best solution.
Action Research Cycle
Action research in education can be conducted by the entire school faculty, a group of participants who share common interests, or an individual researcher.
Regardless of who participates in educational action research, the process of action research includes the following seven stages;
- Selecting a focus
- Clarifying theories
- Recognising research questions
- Data collection
- Data analysis
- Presenting Results
- Taking informed action
Having an action research journal is most important; it’s the place where you will record your observations, notes, and ideas during your research.
This type of writing notes helps you see your progress and understand what you need to change over time. This is also helpful when writing your dissertation.
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Types of Action Research
The types of research strategies selected will depend on the dissertation topic and the students’ action research. There are different types of action research you should know:
- Participatory Action Research: This approach involves people who are directly affected by the problem collaborating to find solutions.
- Collaborative Action Research: In this type of action research, the researcher and participants share equal values and are equal partners in the research process.
- Practical Action Research focuses on solving immediate problems with valuable solutions.
- Critical Action Research: This approach addresses and challenges injustices, aiming to bring about social change.
Action Research Models
Action research is performed to identify solutions for a problem, or it can be a progressive problem-solving process with a focus on reflection.
Several action research models guide how the cycle is used:
- Lewin’s Model is the oldest model, which includes steps such as planning, action, and fact-finding to assess the result.
- Kemmis and McTaggart Model: This type of model includes constant planning, acting, observing, and reflecting.
- McNiff’s Model focuses more on personal reflection and improvement rather than on other factors.
Advantages
It is essential to understand how to conduct action research in educational settings to identify its advantages and disadvantages.
- One of the key advantages of action research is that it enables researchers to increase their knowledge through hands-on experience.
- The action research cycle can serve as a learning cycle that focuses on systematic reflection, enabling a practical approach to learning and growth. Action research is participatory in nature, helping researchers and study participants understand each other.
- Students can mention a dissertation in their resume that directly relates to this practice.
Disadvantages
- There are some disadvantages to this type of research, such as the fact that a conventional dissertation format cannot be used. Students will have to learn to employ the action research methodology to complete their dissertation papers.
- Another disadvantage is that the library work for action research is demanding, as the data and its interpretation define the literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
Normal research is typically conducted in laboratories or by scientists; on the other hand, action research in education often takes place in classrooms by teachers.
Yes, students can take part in participatory action research. As in participatory action research, students share their opinions, participate in surveys, and even suggest solutions to classroom problems.
