3. 3
INDEX
SL.
NO.
CONTENT
PAGE
NO.
1
INTRODUCTION
4
2
ACTION RESEARCH
4
3
CHARACTERISTICS
5
4
STEPS OF ACTION RESEARCH
5-6
5
OBJECTIVES OF ACTION RESEARCH
7
6
CONCLUSION
7-8
7
REFERENCE
8
4. 4
INTRODUCTION
Research consisted of two terms - ‘Re’& ‘Search’. ‘Re’ means
once more and ‘Search’ means look thorough or go over thoroughly to
look something. Research is an organized and systematic way of
finding answers to questions. Research is such a vast and multi
dimensional concept completely. Research is endless quest for
knowledge or unending search for truth. It brings to light new
knowledge or corrects previous errors and misconceptions and adds in
an orderly way to the existing body of knowledge. Knowledge
obtained by research is scientific and objective andis a matter of
rational understanding, common verification and experience. Research
can be classified under three broad categories:
Basic or Fundamental Research
Applied Research
Action Research
Here, we may discuss about ‘Action Research’.
ACTION RESEARCH
Action research is a method for improving and modifying the
work system of a classroom and a school. The concept of action
research is very old but Stephen.M.Corey has applied this concept first
time in the field of education. According to him “Action research is a
process for studying problems scientifically to make decision for
improving their current practices”.Action research in education is
5. 5
concerned with school problems and is carried on by school personals
to improve school practices.
CHARACTERISTICS OF ACTION RESEARCH
It is a process for studying practical problems of education.
It is a scientific procedure for finding out a practical solution of
current problems.
The practitioner can only study his problem.
It is a personal research for clinical research work.
In it the focus is to improve and modify the current practices.
The individual and group problems are studied by action
research.
It does not contribute in the fund of knowledge.
STEPS OF ACTION RESEARCH
In designing and conducting action research the following steps are
used:-
1. Identification of the Problem
A teacher should sensitive towards her job activities. The
problem is to be isolated from the broad field. An investigator
must realize or identify the seriousness of the problem.
2. Definition and Delimiting the Problem
After identifying the problem, it should be defined so
that action and goal may be specified.The delimitation means to
6. 6
localize. The problem in terms of class, subject, group and
period in which a teacher perceives the problem.
3. Analyzing the Causes of the Problem
The causes of the problem are analysed with the help of
some evidences.The nature of cause is also analysed whether it
is under the control or beyond the control of the researcher.This
helps in formulating the action hypothesis.
4. Formulating Action Hypotheses
The basis or formulating action hypotheses are the cause
of the problem which are under the approaches of an
investigator. The statement of action hypothesis consist of two
aspects-action and goal. It indicates that the action should be
taken for achieving goal.
5. Design for Testing the Action Hypothesis
The design is developed for testing the most important
action hypotheses. Some action may be taken and their results
are observed. In action research one hypothesis is tested at a
time.The design of action research is flexible and can be
designed at any time according to the convenience of the
researcher.
6. Conclusion of Action Research
The accepting action hypotheses lead to draw some
conclusion. The statement conclusion indicates some
prescription for the practical problem of school or
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classroom.The conclusions are useful in modifying and
improving the current practices and classroom teaching.
OBJECTIVES OF ACTION RESEARCH
1. To improve conditions of various infra-structural facilities of an
educational institution.
2. To develop scientific attitude among teachers whereby they are
motivated to study problems scientifically before taking decisions
about complicated issues.
3. To develop democratic attitude among students and teachers while
understanding and solving their problems.
4. To bring excellence in the working style of the institution.
5. To develop ability and insight among administrators to improve and
modify institutional conditions with a scientific outlook.
6. To root out the conservative and static environment prevailing in
most educational institutions.
7. To make the educational system capable of generating a healthy
environment conducive to learning.
8. To raise the level of performance and the level of aspiration of the
student.
CONCLUSION
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Action research is under taken to solve an immediate practical
problem that cannot be solved by ordinary strategies.The goal of
adding to scientific knowledge is only secondary or even tertiary.
Action research provides a systematic study on the spot in the natural
conditions of the problems left andeffect of the changes introduced by
the actual practitioners.
REFERENCE
“Social studies in the classroom Trends and Methods”- P.K.
Sudheesh Kumar & P.P. Noushad, Scorpio publishers and
distributors, Calicut university, Kerala, India.
http://www.actionresearch/org.in
