FS2 REPORT
LESSON 1
Understanding Action Research
Action research is a process of systematic inquiry into a self-identified
teaching or learning problem to better understand its complex dynamics and
to develop strategies geared towards the problem's improvement (Hamilton
and Zaretsky 1997).
Specifically, action research is:
* a process of taking scientific action to improve teaching and learning;
* is typically designed and conducted by teachers who analyze data from
their school and classroom experiences to improve their own teaching and
learning practice; and
* a type of applied research in which the teacher-researcher is actively
involved in the process of study.
In action research, the teacher is the doer of the action, which means it is the
teacher who plans, develops, and implements the research and at the end,
takes informed action to implement the purposes of the study.
LESSON 2
Purposes of Action Research
Action research can be participated by an individual teacher or a group of
teachers who has a common concern in the field of teaching and learning. It
provides an opportunity for professional development and collaboration.
Purposes of Action Research
* It allows teachers to understand the nature of educational issues and
problems.
* It helps teachers propose solutions to educational issues and problems.
* It develops teachers to become empowered reflective practitioners.
* It creates progress on school priorities.
* It develops a research culture among teachers.
* It develops professional collaboration among teachers.
* It helps teachers to develop curricular and instructional innovations.
* It builds a professional culture in school.
* It provides an opportunity for teachers to improve their teaching skills.
* It responds to the learning needs of students.
LESSON 3
Selecting Topics and Questions for Action Research
Many research failed because the topics are irrelevant and the questions are
invalid. Some research also do not reflect an educational issue that needs an
immediate response. Thus teacher-researchers should know how to select
good topics and develop good research questions based on the topics
selected.
Pattersonet al. (1993) suggested that teacher-researchers should keep a
research journal.
* Set aside 10 minutes to write a reflection at the end of each day.
* At the end of two weeks, read your journal, look for significant ideas and
themes that could be done for research.
* Brainstorm a list of things that you would like to investigate.
* Review the list and write the first draft of your question.
* Write a paragraph of supporting rationale for your question.
* Reflect on your question.
The Alberta Teachers' Association (200) also suggested the used of affinity
charting for collaborative action research:
* Brainstorm issues of concern or interests relating to your educational
context.Record each item on a separate note.
* Group your items using affinity charting. Place the most diverse
statements on the table in a row. Place items that have a common theme or
focus in each column.
* Review and reflect on the placement. Do some items fit better in a
different column?
* Develop a draft research question that reflects the key issue in each
column.
* Choose the question that interests you the most and is possible to study.
In selecting the research questions, the following suggestions could be
considered by the teacher-researchers:
* The questions should not be answerable by yes or no.
* The questions could provide opportunities for deeper exploration and
reflection on educational issues.
* The questions should reflect the variables mentioned in the research title.
* The data needed to answer the questions are accessible.
* The questions can be studied within the time frame set for the action
research.
* The question should focus on understanding issues and providing solutions.
Examples of research questions:
* How does the Four-Pronged Approach improve the reading comprehension
of Grade II pupils?
* What are the participation of parents and other stakeholders in the
implementation of the school reforms?
* What indigenous knowledge could be integrated in science?
