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Date Submitted: 05/15/2014 02:30 AM
How is Action Research Defined?
Action research is a form of investigation designed for use by teachers to attempt to solve problems and improve professional practices in their own classrooms. It involves systematic observations and data collection which can be then used by the practitioner-researcher in reflection, decision-making and the development of more effective classroom strategies.
- Parsons and Brown (2002)
Action Research is a fancy way of saying let's study what's happening at our school and decide how to make it a better place.
- Emily Calhoun (1994)
Action research is a natural part of teaching. Teachers are continually observing students, collecting data and changing practices to improve student learning and the classroom and school environment. Action research provides a framework that guides the energies of teachers toward a better understanding of why, when, and how students become better learners. - A. Christine Miller (2007)
Five Phases of Action Research
1. Selecting an area or focus
Identifying an area of interest
Focus on students
Look at both immediate and cumulative effects
2. Collecting data
Collect existing archival data
Use additional multiple data sources
Collect data regularly
Promote collective ownership of data
Monitor data collection
3. Organizing data
Count instances, events, and artifacts
Display data in tables and charts
Arrange data by classroom, grade level, and school
Organize for analysis
4. Analyzing and interpreting data
Analyze and question the data as a professional collective
Decide what can be celebrated and what needs attention
Determine priority area(s) for action
4.5 Studying the professional literature
Identify professional literature that relates to or matches the interest
Gather research reports, research syntheses, articles, videotapes, etc.
Analyze and interpret these materials for understanding and action
Determine the most promising actions
5. Taking action
Combine data analysis...