ACTION RESEARCH STEPS

Summary

The video script outlines the process of action research, emphasizing its non-linear, recursive nature. It involves identifying a problem, setting it in a theoretical context through literature review, designing a data collection plan, analyzing emerging patterns, and allowing for dynamic changes. The process culminates in drawing conclusions, formulating action plans, and reporting findings, all aimed at enhancing teaching practices and learning outcomes.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Action research is a recursive process, not linear, and steps may be repeated or out of order.
• 🤔 Start by identifying a question, problem, or research topic within your teaching environment.
• 📚 Set the research in a theoretical context with a literature review to build credibility and guide data collection.
• 🔬 Design a systematic plan for data collection, including what and how often data will be collected.
• 🔑 Use multiple data sources and look for emerging themes, categories, or patterns as data is collected.
• 🔄 Allow for the research question or problem to change dynamically as new insights are gained.
• 📊 Analyze and organize data using inductive analysis, categorizing and counting observations.
• 📝 Make conclusions and recommendations based on the interpreted data to answer the research question or address the problem.
• 🛠 Develop a plan of action based on conclusions and recommendations for future teaching strategies.
• 📑 Report findings through a written report, scholarly paper, or professional presentation.
• 🔄 Remember that action research is an evolving process, and steps may be repeated or adjusted as needed.

Q & A

What is action research?

Action research is a recursive process involving systematic observation of one's own teaching environment or practice with the purpose of understanding and improving the quality of instruction and enhancing learning.

Why is it important to define terms in action research?

Defining terms ensures clarity and a common understanding of the concepts used throughout the research process, which is crucial for accurate analysis and interpretation of findings.

Is the process of action research linear?

No, action research is not linear. It is recursive, meaning steps may be repeated or done out of order as the research evolves.

What is the first step in conducting action research?

The first step is to ask a question, identify a problem, or select a research topic that is of interest within your classroom or teaching environment.

Why is setting the problem in a theoretical context important?

Setting the problem in a theoretical context provides a solid foundation for the research, helps to formulate the research question, and lends credibility to the findings by linking them to existing literature and professional resources.

What are the two ways to conduct a literature review in action research?

A literature review can be conducted before beginning to collect data to help formulate the question and guide data collection, or it can be done as data are being reported or conclusions are being drawn.

What is the purpose of designing a plan for data collection in action research?

Designing a plan for data collection ensures the research is systematic and methodical, outlining what data will be collected, how often, and when, which helps in the organization and analysis of the data.

Why is it acceptable for the research question or problem to change during action research?

It is acceptable because action research is a dynamic process that can adapt to new findings and insights. Changes should be documented and explained in the research report to maintain transparency and integrity.

What is inductive analysis in the context of action research?

Inductive analysis involves analyzing data as it is collected, identifying themes, categories, or patterns, and interpreting what these patterns mean in relation to the research question.

What should be included in the conclusions and recommendations of an action research project?

The conclusions should interpret the data, answer the research question, or address the problem, while recommendations should be based on the data and suggest actions or changes to be implemented.

What is the significance of the action step in action research?

The action step is where the researcher implements the conclusions and recommendations, creating a plan of action that reflects the insights gained from the research and contributes to practical improvements in teaching or learning.

How should the findings of an action research project be reported?

Findings should be reported in a clear and professional manner, which can be in the form of a written report, scholarly paper, or through in-person or online presentations.