1. Action research The application of the tools and methods of social science to immediate and practical problems of teaching etc., with the goals of contributing to improvement in practices, theory development, and knowledge acquisition in education.

2. The practical goal of action research is to gather evidence that can help the practitioner to make good decisions regarding their teaching. Action research can help to improve schools and teaching

3. What happens when teachers conduct action research? Their teaching is transformed in significant ways they increase their professional involvement and uses of resources and peer networks they become critical and responsive consumers of research they are better able to collaborate with students and peers to improve teaching

4. Differences between action research and formal research Extent of training needed Goals of the research Method for identifying the “problem” Literature review method Sampling method Research design Measurement issues Data analyses Application of results

5. Suggestions for action research Specify your interests Do a manageable project Keep good records! Read the literature Get permission for research Prepare materials well in advance Ask others to evaluate your work

6. Action research studies Simms (1994) Kester (1994) Jatko (1995) Stroeher (1994) Stuart (1994) Billington (1994) Hopkins & Bean (1998-99) Buckmaster (1994)