Action Research Designs Chapter 18 Action Research Designs Power Point Slides by Ronald J. Shope in collaboration with John W. Creswell

Educational Research 2e: Creswell Key Topics Purposes and uses of Action Research Types of action research designs Key characteristics of action research Steps in conducting an action research study Evaluating an action research study Educational Research 2e: Creswell

What is action research? Action research is systematic inquiry done by teachers (or other individuals in an educational setting) to gather information about, and subsequently improve, the ways their particular educational setting operates, how they teach, and how well their students learn (Mills, 2000). Educational Research 2e: Creswell

When do you use action research? When you have an educational problem to solve When educators want to reflect on their own practices When you want to address school-wide problems When teachers want to improve their practices When educators want to participate in a research project Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Types of action research designs Participatory Practical Studying local practices Involving individual or team- based inquiry Focusing on teacher development and student learning Implementing a plan of action Leading to the teacher-as-researcher Studying social issues that constrain individual lives Emphasizing equal collaboration Focusing on “life-enhancing changes” Resulting in the emancipated researcher Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Practical Action Research Steps are interactive: Identify themes or research questions Collect data & analyze data Develop an action plan Reflect, revise, & share findings Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Participatory action research Focuses on improving the quality of people’s organizations, communities, and family lives In education: Focuses on improving and empowering individuals in schools, systems of education and school communities Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Participatory Action Research Explores relationships between individual and others Individuals conduct research on themselves Involves non-linear approach of looking at the problem/collecting data, thinking about the issues & priorities for action, and finally acting on practical solutions Educational Research 2e: Creswell

What are the steps in conducting action research? Determine if action research is the best design to use. Identify the problem to study Locate resources to help address the problem Identify the information you will need Educational Research 2e: Creswell

Taxonomy of action research data collection techniques (The Three E’s) Examining Experiencing Enquiring Using and making records (Through observation and field notes) When the researcher asks Archival documents Informal Interview Journals Participant observation (Active participant) Structured formal Interview Maps Audio and Videotapes Privileged, active observer Questionnaires Attitude Scales Artifacts Standardized Tests Fieldnotes Passive observer Educational Research 2e: Creswell

What are the steps in conducting action research? Implement the data collection Analyze the data Develop a plan for action Implement the plan and reflect Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do you evaluate action research? Does the project clearly address a problem or issue in practice that needs to be solved? Did the action researcher collect sufficient data to address the problem? Did the action researcher collaborate with others during the study? Was there respect for all collaborators? Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do you evaluate action research? Did the plan of action advanced by the researcher build logically from the data? Is there evidence that the plan of action contributed to the researcher’s reflection as a professional? Has the research enhanced the lives of the participants by empowering them, changing them, or providing them with new understanding? Educational Research 2e: Creswell

How do you evaluate action research? Did the action research actually lead to change or did a solution to a problem make the difference? Was the action research reported to audiences who might use the information? Educational Research 2e: Creswell