Understanding

Action Research
GREGORY SMITH & EVAN ROKICKI
10 OCTOBER 2015| EA 750

3-2-1 Bridge
In respect to Action Research
oList 3 Words
oWrite 2 Questions
oWrite 1 Metaphor or simile
TURN & TALK

Pg. 5

Action Research In A
Nutshell
Humans are difficult. Its hard to account for all the
variables

Action researchers acknowledge and embrace these

complications as a natural part of classroom life and
typically use research approaches that do not require
them to randomly assign students in their class to
control and experimental groups.

Pg. 5

Narrative, descriptive approaches to

data collection to understand the way
things are and what the research
means from the perspectives of the
participants in the study

Collection and analysis of numerical

data to describe, explain, predict, or
control phenomena of interest

Pg. 6

Mixed Methods
Research
Designs
combine quantitative and qualitative approaches by
including both data in a single study.

Pg. 7

Action Research in
Education
is any systematic inquiry conducted by teacher

researchers, principals, school counselors, or

other stakeholders in the teaching/learning
environment to gather information about how
their particular schools operate, how they teach,
and how well their students learn

Pg. 8

Origins of Action
Research:
Critical Action Research: also known as emancipatory
action research because of its goal of liberation
Two
Theories
through knowledge gathering.
Practical Action Research: places more emphasis on
the how-to approach to the processes of action
research and has a less philosophical bent. Here are
some components:

Pg. 9

Critical Action
Theory
o A shared interest in processes for enlightenment

o Liberation from tradition, habit, and bureaucracy

o A commitment to participatory democratic processes for reform
o Challenges the notions of truth and objectivity on which the
traditional scientific method relies.
o Postmodern perspective advocates for research that challenges
the taken for granted assumptions of daily classroom life and
presents truths that are relative, conditional, situational, and
based on previous experience.
oC.A.T. is Democratic | Participatory | Empowering | Life-Enhancing

Pgs. 10 - 1

Practical Action
Research
Emphasis on the how-to approach to the processes of
action research and has a less philosophical bent.
oTeacher researchers have decision-making authority

oTeacher researchers are committed to continued

professional development and school improvement
oUses a systematic approach for reflecting on practice

Pg.

The Common
Denominator
Action research carried out according to both

philosophies creates opportunities for all

involved to improve the lives of children and to
learn about the craft of teaching

Pg. 12

More on Action
Research
Action research is largely about developing the

professional disposition of teachers, that is, encouraging

teachers to be continuous learners in their classroom
and in their practice
oAction research is persuasive and authoritative
oAction research is relevant
oAction research allows teachers access to research
findings
Pg. 13-

And maybe most

importantly
Action research challenges the intractability of

educational reform by making itself a part of the system

rather than just another fad.
TURN & TALK

Pg. 16

3-2-1 Bridge
In respect to Action Research
oList 3 Words
oWrite 2 Questions
oWrite 1 Metaphor or simile
oReflection & Bridge: How has your thinking changed?
TURN & TALK

The End