2. Action research is a process in which
participants examine their own
educational practice, systematically and
carefully, using the techniques of research
Definition
3. 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)
4. Kurt Lewin (1890 – 1947) was a German-American psychologist
2nd World War
Kurt Lewin’s
Action
research
model
5. A Brief History Of Action
Research
The term “action research” was coined by Kurt Lewin, a
social-psychologist in 1930s.
According to Kurt Lewin, social conditions might be
enhanced through the group processes that involve four
steps-
Idea-fact finding
• Planning-1step ,2 step …..
• Acting-execute the plan
• Observing
• Reflecting
• Re-plan
www.schoolofeducators.com
6. Why do we do action research?
Professional development
Our values
unable to address the values
(attack value system)
changing agent
7. •Dynamic process of spiraling back and forth among
reflection, data collection, and action
• Does not follow a linear pattern
• Does not follow a causal sequence from problem to action
A dynamic process
Educational Action Research Jean McNiff & Jack Whitehead(Irish)
John Elite-(English)
8. When do you use action
research?
1. To solve an educational problem
2. To help educators reflect on their own
practices
3. To address school-wide problems
4. When teachers want to improve their
practices
9. Key characteristics of Action
Research
• A practical focus
• The educator-researcher’s own practices
• Collaboration
• Dynamic process
• A plan of action
• Sharing research
12. The Action Research Process (1)
Figure 1: Action Research Helix (adapted from Stringer, 2004, p. 4).
13. The Action Research
Process (2)
Designing the
Study
Collecting Data
Analysing Data
Communicating
Outcomes
Taking Action
Figure 2: Action Research Cycle (adapted from Stringer, 2004, p. 5).
Problem Solved = no further action
required
Still a Problem = Another Iteration
14. Tools of data collection
Field Notes
Questionnaire
Check Lists
Feedback Forms
Researcher
In-depth interviews
Focus Group Discussions
Lesson Observation
Reflective journal
15. Action research is a term used to
describe professionals studying their own
practice in order to improve it.
Action research is a process of systematic
reflection, enquiry and action carried out
by individuals about their own practice
Summary
