Week 1: Introduction to Action Research
A new class this summer, and a new class means new posts! This summer I'm taking a research methodology class, and I'm super excited for it! The class is focused on qualitative research. We will learn about how to find and read research, understand the validity and importance of qualitative research, designing research, methods, data analysis, and action research. The latter is exactly what we'll be introducing today.
What is Action Research:
Action research is a form of research done by educators that provides a bridge between formal research and real-life in classrooms. Action research helps teachers apply theories and research to their classroom in a meaningful way. There are many different models for action research, but here are nine specific step as outlined by Mertler (2017):
1. Identifying and limiting the topic
2. Gathering information
3. Reviewing the related literature
4. Developing a research plan
5. Implementing and collecting data
6. Analyzing data
7. Developing an action plan
8. Sharing and communicating the results
9. Reflecting on the process
By proceeding through these steps teachers can identify a problem in their classroom, discuss possibilities with colleagues and instructional coaches, review related research papers, and implement their learning into their classroom. After proceeding through the process, the teacher finds what worked and what didn't, and begins the process over again as they focus on a question, research, develop a plan and implement it.
Some things that stood out to me:
I just love the idea that action research is something you can do yourself! Action Research spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y to me. What a great learning opportunity. What a great opportunity for professional development. What a great opportunity for collaboration and trust building with your colleagues and administrators. What a great opportunity to learn and to build relationships with others.
I think it's important to include colleagues and team members in your work. Asking them questions, sharing what you're learning along the way, etc. I definitely want to remember the importance of finding a specific question, talking to others, researching and then implementing and recording your results.
Mertler, C. A. (Ed.). (2008). Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators. Sage Publications, Inc.
What is Action Research:
Action research is a form of research done by educators that provides a bridge between formal research and real-life in classrooms. Action research helps teachers apply theories and research to their classroom in a meaningful way. There are many different models for action research, but here are nine specific step as outlined by Mertler (2017):
1. Identifying and limiting the topic
2. Gathering information
3. Reviewing the related literature
4. Developing a research plan
5. Implementing and collecting data
6. Analyzing data
7. Developing an action plan
8. Sharing and communicating the results
9. Reflecting on the process
By proceeding through these steps teachers can identify a problem in their classroom, discuss possibilities with colleagues and instructional coaches, review related research papers, and implement their learning into their classroom. After proceeding through the process, the teacher finds what worked and what didn't, and begins the process over again as they focus on a question, research, develop a plan and implement it.
Some things that stood out to me:
I just love the idea that action research is something you can do yourself! Action Research spells O-P-P-O-R-T-U-N-I-T-Y to me. What a great learning opportunity. What a great opportunity for professional development. What a great opportunity for collaboration and trust building with your colleagues and administrators. What a great opportunity to learn and to build relationships with others.
I think it's important to include colleagues and team members in your work. Asking them questions, sharing what you're learning along the way, etc. I definitely want to remember the importance of finding a specific question, talking to others, researching and then implementing and recording your results.
Mertler, C. A. (Ed.). (2008). Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators. Sage Publications, Inc.
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