Action research is a process of systematic inquiry conducted by practitioners to improve their own practices. It typically involves identifying an area for improvement, developing and implementing a plan for change, collecting and analyzing data about the results of the changes, and reflecting on and sharing the results. The goal is to help practitioners improve their own work by examining their practices collaboratively and making adjustments based on what they learn.

1. LIB 600 Libraries and Education 2014
What is Action
Research?

2. A succinct definition of action research
That definition states that action
research
• is a disciplined process of inquiry conducted
by and for those taking the action. The
primary reason for engaging in action
research is to assist the “actor” in
improving and/or refining his or her actions.
• From Guiding School Improvement with Action
Research by Richard Sagor (ASCD Premium
Member Book, May 2000).
2
What is Action Research?

3. What is Action Research?
According to the North Central Regional
Educational Laboratory,
• “Action research is inquiry or research in the context of
focused efforts to improve the quality of an organization
and its performance. It typically is designed and
conducted by practitioners who analyze the data to
improve their own practice. Action research can be done
by individuals or by teams of colleagues. The team
approach is called collaborative inquiry.”
• See also PowerPoint on Action Research by Leo Rigsby, IET,
George Mason University
3
Another definition

4. What is Action Research?
Action Research is a process in which participants examine
their own educational practice systematically and carefully
using the techniques of research. It is based on the following
assumptions:
• teachers and principals work best on problems they have identified
for themselves;
• teachers and principals become more effective when encouraged to
examine and assess their own work and then consider ways of working
differently;
• teachers and principals help each other by working collaboratively;
• working with colleagues helps teachers and principals in their
professional development.
• Heidi Watts, Antioch Graduate School
4
Put another way

5. 5 Key elements of action
research?
http://www.schoollibrarymonthly.com/articles/Callison2007-v23n10p40.html

6. 6
Some other definitions
http://www.nctm.org/uploadedFiles/Lessons_and_Resources/Grants_and_Awards/How%20is%20Action
%20Research%20Defined(1).pdf

7. 7
The action research cycle
Action
Research Cycle

8. 8
Step 1 Problem Identification
http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/aSGuest140058-1480247-action-research/

9. Develop an action plan
• Will you develop and implement
a new strategy or approach to
address your question? If so,
what will it be?
• Will you focus your study on
existing practices? If so,
which particular ones?
• What is an appropriate
timeline for what you are
trying to accomplish?
• Five Phases of Action Research
9
Step 2 Proposing a solution

10. Action!
Act to implement the plan
10
Step 3 Try out the solution
Try out
solution

11. Record your evidence!
11
Step 4 Gather data
https://prezi.com/lrkmaw4ep_mm/data-collection-tools-used-in-
action-research/

12. Number crunching?
Not just numbers!
• Data analysis involves
examination of the data in order
to answer your questions. To
prepare, you will want to make
sure all your data are on paper,
and you will probably want to
read everything over at least
once. If you have asked more
than one question, you will want
to sort the data according to
question. And you may want to
discard (or at least set aside)
data that do not directly relate
to the questions you have posed.
12
Step 5 Analyze data
Research to Practice: Guidelines for
Planning Action Research Projects

13. Synthesis and explanation
13
Step 6 Report

14. Reflect and start over again!
14
Next Step(s)? Rinse & Repeat!
Rinse & Repeat
as needed!
• From what I now understand
about action research, it is
merely working to improve an
individual’s skill set through a
process of inquiry,
implementation and reflection
and repeating as necessary.
The old lather, rinse and
repeat routine put to a more
formal setting.
• Action Research - EDLD 5301
Blog post Tuesday, January
24, 2012 by Michael Tomberlin

15. Some have more steps, some less
15
Action research cycles vary!
An action research approach to
curriculum development
Information Research, Vol. 1 No. 1,
April 1995
Project ACTIVate:
Innovations from New
Zealand
Professional
Learning and
Leadership
Development:
Action research

16. 16 Copyright 2009