Action research is defined as a cyclical process of posing questions, gathering data, reflecting on results, and deciding on a course of action to address a problem. It aims to stimulate both learning and positive change. The process involves planning an intervention, taking action, and searching or reflecting on the consequences to capture lessons learned and continuously improve. Key aspects include framing problems systemically, controlling progress and collecting evidence as plans are implemented, and institutionalizing what is learned at each cycle to inform future iterations. The goal is to accomplish continuous learning and improvement.

1. What is
Action Research?
Dr. Gregory S. Waddell

2. According to the experts . . .
it is . . .

3. “a cycle

4. “a cycle
of posing questions,

5. “a cycle
of posing questions,
gathering data,

6. “a cycle
of posing questions,
gathering data,
reflection,

7. Eileen Ferrance, "Action Research," Providence, RI: The Education
Alliance, 2000, available from
www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/themes_ed/act_research.pdf
“a cycle
of posing questions,
gathering data,
reflection,
& deciding on a course
of action.”

8. Kurt Lewin, "Action Research & Minority Problems," Journal of Social
Issues 2, no. 4 (1946): 34-46.
Kurt Lewin described it as a process of ...
Planning

9. Kurt Lewin, "Action Research & Minority Problems," Journal of Social
Issues 2, no. 4 (1946): 34-46.
Kurt Lewin described it as a process of ...
Planning
Action,

10. Kurt Lewin, "Action Research & Minority Problems," Journal of Social
Issues 2, no. 4 (1946): 34-46.
Kurt Lewin described it as a process of ...
Planning
Action,
and Searching

11. Learning Point Associates
(http://www.learningpt.org/)
define it as . . .

12. “Inquiry or
research in the
context of focused efforts to
improve the quality of an
organization and its
performance.”

13. It is a cyclical process …

14. P
Problem
You start out with a problem.

15. Design
D
P
Problem
You design a potential solution.

16. Design
D A
P
Problem
Action
You take action on your solution.

17. Design
D
R
A
P
Problem
Reflection
Action
You reflect on the results.

18. C
Design
D
R
A
P
Problem
Reflection
Action
Capture
You capture the learning.

19. C
Design
D
R
A
P
P
D A
R
C
Problem
Reflection
Action
Capture
Then, you repeat the process.

20. C
Design
D
R
A
P
P
D A
R
C
ProblemP
Reflection
Action
Capture
D A
R
C
P
Again and again …

21. First,
you need
a good
problem

22. A Good Problem is ...

23. A Good Problem is ...

24. A Good Problem is ...

25. A Good Problem is ...

26. A Good Problem Demands

27. A Good Problem Resists

28. A Good Problem Leads To . . .

29. A Good Problem Leads To . . .

30. Action Research
requires that we
REFRAME
the problem

31. by looking at
it in different
contexts

32. from different
perspectives

33. as a part of a larger
system

34. by making
comparisons

35. by
applying
the
problem
to
different
groups

36. As You Implement the Plan . . .
Control the progress

37. As You Implement the Plan . . .
Control the progress
Collect the data (evidence)

38. As You Implement the Plan . . .
Control the progress
Collect the data (evidence)
Present periodic reports

39. Another essential element of
Action Research is . . .

40. “A cycle of action and
reflection is the heart of
action learning.”
Tom Bourner, Alan Cooper and Linda France, "Action Learning Across a University
Community," Innovations in Education & Training International 37, no. 1 (2000): 2-9.
available from Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost (accessed December 20,
2006).

41. Reflection is . . .
A process of entering into
“dialogue based on the data
collected and [being] guided by a
systemic framework to discover
the root causes of the
organization's problems.”
Michael Beer, Russell A. Eisenstat and Burt Spector, "Why Change Programs Don't
Produce Change," Harvard Business Review, November-December, 1990, 158-66;
available from EBSCOhost.

42. What did we intend to do?
These questions are used by the U.S. Army for their After-Action
Reviews. Garvin, 2000, p. 107.

43. What actually happened?

44. Why did this happen?

45. What are we going to do
the next time?

46. Lastly, we need to capture
the learning

47. Information must
be captured and
then made
institutional--

48. Information must
be captured and
then made
institutional--

49. a process that
involves recording
and storing the
learning in a way that
is accessible to
others.
Information must
be captured and
then made
institutional--

50. In a nutshell . . .
Action Research
seeks to accomplish
two goals:

51. In a nutshell . . .
1. Stimulate Learning and
Action Research
seeks to accomplish
two goals:

52. In a nutshell . . .
1. Stimulate Learning and
2. Make a Difference.
Action Research
seeks to accomplish
two goals:

53. • Grate Dane and Chihuahua by unknown photographer (unknown to
me) http://www.bloggyaward.com/pets/great-dane/
• Texture water: _MG_1662bi.jpg by somadjinn
http://www.morguefile.com/archive/?display=170527&
• Beautiful Spider Web
http://www.eglobe1.com/index.php/2006/11/12/spider-web-
after-rain/
• Window photos are my own
• All other photos from Microsoft Clip art Office Online
Credits
For more information contact Dr. Waddell at . . .
DrGregWaddell@gmail.com
901.581.5735