1. Overview of the action research process
Chapter 2
Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators (4/e)
Craig A. Mertler SAGE Publications, 2014

2. The Action Research Process
Four stages:
The planning stage
The acting stage
The developing stage
The reflecting stage
Cyclical, not linear, process
Specific steps should serve as guidelines, which should be adapted for certain needs or situations

3. The Action Research Process

4. The Action Research Process
Specific steps within the four stages:

5. The Action Research Process
Specific steps within the four stages:
The planning stage
Step 1: Identifying and limiting a topic
Step 2: Gathering information
Reconnaissance
Step 3: Reviewing the related literature
Step 4: Developing a research plan
Research methodology
Research questions/hypotheses (questions tend to be more appropriate)
Pay close attention to research ethics

6. The Action Research Process
Specific steps (cont’d.):
The acting stage
Step 5: Implementing the plan and collecting data
Field notes, observations, interviews, questionnaires, surveys, existing documents or records, checklists, rating scales, tests, etc.
Step 6: Analyzing the data
Differences between the analysis of quantitative data and qualitative data

7. The Action Research Process
Specific steps (cont’d.):
The developing stage
Step 7: Developing an action plan
The “action” part of action research
Individual- or group-level
The reflecting stage
Step 8: Sharing and communicating results
Formal or informal
Variety of opportunities exist
Step 9: Reflecting on the process

8. The Action Research Process
A brief example of action research “in action”
Traditional versus backward approaches to teaching American history
Steps 1 through 9

9. Action research checklist 2
Action Research Checklist 2: The Action Research Process ☐ Identify specific sources or types of information you could use during reconnaissance. ☐ Obtain several published research articles related to your topic. ☐ List what you see as advantages and limitations of various data collection techniques. ☐ Identify potential audiences with whom you can share the results of your action research.