CONTENTS OF BOOKLET

Content

Page

Introduction

Materials to read

Instructions for EDU650 students to continue and complete

writing of action research thesis

Suggested process flow for EDU650 academic exercise

Gantt chart - academic exercise (EDU650) work plan

Action Research Report Progress Form

10

EDU650 Course Information

11

Evaluation Form for EDU650 (Rubrics)

15

Evaluation Form for EDU650 (Overall)

17

Table of Contents for Action Research Report

18

Technical Aspects Of Action Research Report

19

INTRODUCTION
The information in this booklet is intended for students who have completed an action
research proposal for EDU542 Research Methods for Primary Schools. The students now
have to collect and analyze data and also to complete reediting and writing all the sections
of the AR thesis. By the end of the September semester, students have to hand in a
completed action research thesis which comprises 100 marks since online discussion is
optional (refer to course syllabus which will be uploaded)

MATERIALS TO READ
**PLEASE DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN COPY TO READ**
1. Article Definisi Kaedah Penyelidikan Tindakan, dsb from
http://www.slideshare.net/mandalina/definisi-kaedah-penyelidikan-tindakan
2. Slides of Taklimat EDU650 (Please refer to the slides that were uploaded for
Research Method EDU542)

Further explanation of the reading content

1. Article Definisi Kaedah Penyelidikan Tindakan is a Malay handout that gives an
overview of Action Research. The handout contains the following:

Definition of Action Research

Purposes for conducting Action research

Characteristics of Action research

The Action Research Process

2. Slides from Taklimat EDU650 in March 2014 that was uploaded for course Research
Method EDU542. Please reread the following slides.

If possible the action research thesis should follow the given sample format; refer to
slides numbered 5 to 8 (table of contents for a completed action research thesis) and
slides numbered *18 to 20. (*suggested format for a proposal)

Please read carefully slides 24 to 29.

Answers for slide 30 researchers conduct only ONE cycle and the action research
would be about 40 pages (text only excluding tables, graphs, charts, photos,
appendix, etc )

INSTRUCTIONS FOR EDU650 STUDENTS TO CONTINUE AND COMPLETE WRITING OF

ACTION RESEARCH THESIS

Upon completion of action research proposal at the end of EDU542, please contact
your EDU650 supervisor and email a copy to him/her after which appointments can
be made to begin the consultation process so that data can be collected, analyzed,
etc asap. (N.B.)

You have to meet F2F/NF2F with your supervisor at least 5 times. Please negotiate
with your supervisor. Please meet regularly (NOT all 5 times during the last week)
before submission!!! Such actions may jeopardize your grades!!!

It is suggested that data be collected asap as it is already mid-year and there may not
be a lot of time left to complete syllabus and collect data.

Some students are doing the same research topic for both their innovative practicum
project and action research proposal. Therefore, the innovative project may be

considered as the 1st cycle and the actual data collection for the 2nd cycle will be
reviewed after rectifying weaknesses of 1st cycle.

Perhaps, the methodology section in the proposal may need to be rewritten with
changes made to suit topic to be taught, etc.

Please discuss with your supervisor asap so that data collection can begin after June
school holidays. Do not wait to collect data in September thinking that your
semester for EDU650 starts in September as your students may be sitting for exams
etc. Moreover, the syllabus will have been completed by then.

PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE GIVEN ONLY ONE SEMESTER TO COMPLETE THE
ACTION RESEARCH THESIS.

Before data collection, please consider the following:

(1) Revisit your research questions together with your AE supervisor. Refocus them if
necessary.
(2) Is your teaching intervention feasible? Have you written the lesson plan? Have you
refined the data collection procedure? Have you done a trial run? Have you thought
of anticipated problems during the data collection process? [It is very important to
check thoroughly before collecting data as you may have to recollect data if there
were many problems during the data collection process]
(3) Are research instruments suitable for the research questions? Can the findings
answer the research questions? Have you prepared and checked all your
instruments? Have you reported the validity and reliability of your instruments?

(4) Are there 3 different kinds of data for purposes of triangulation? How will they
complement each other to help confirm findings?
(5) Have you decided how your quantitative and/or qualitative data will be analyzed?
How will the data be tabulated? Charts, etc? How will you be report your findings?
Descriptive statistics only? Thematic coding, etc?

SUGGESTED PROCESS FLOW FOR EDU650 ACADEMIC EXERCISE PROGRAM PENSISWAZAHAN GURU

25 June - 13 July
Examination week semester
March-July 2013

Meet supervisor to start AE

work

Student-supervisor discuss
chapter 1-3 so student can
proceed with data collection

collect data

29 DECEMBER 2014
Students submit soft/comb
bound copies to supervisors.
[note 1]

finalize chapters 1-5:

prepare soft-bound copy

write chapters 4-5 (or in

parts as in the suggested
format in the slides)

analyze data

6 JANUARY 2015 Supervisors

return soft/comb bound
copies to students for
corrections & TURNITIN
PLAGIARISM SIMILARITY
INDEX [note 2]

13 JANUARY 2015 Students

submit 2 hard bound copies
& 1 CD pdf) and submission
form to supervisors for
signature.

Then students submit ONE

hard bound copy together
with the submission form to
the office. The supervisor
will keep ONE hard bound
copy and the one CD.

Supervisors submit FINAL

TURNITIN PLAGIARISM
SIMILARITY INDEX and
students marks/grades to
the Academic Exercise
Coordinator

20 JANUARY Moderation
meeting of heads of
program, coordinators and
supervisors concerned.
Others supervisors may be
invited for the moderation

1. PLEASE NOTE THAT STUDENTS MUST HAVE SEEN THEIR SUPERVISORS AT LEAST 5 TIMES BEFORE SUBMISSION
2. Students will have to reedit if similarity index is 30% and above & supervisors will conduct a 2nd similarity check
3. The turnitin plagiarism report & soft and hard bound copies must be submitted on the stated dates. EDU650 supervisors and
students, please note that if theses are not submitted on the stated dates, the students marks will not be uploaded and further
delay may result in students failing EDU650.

CALENDAR
SEMESTER September 2014-January 2015

Lecture

8 September 3 October 2014

Mid-semester break

412 October 2014

Lecture

13 October21 December 2014

Revision Week

2228 December 2014

Examination Week

29 December 201419 January 2015

GANTT CHART
ACADEMIC EXERCISE (EDU650) WORK PLAN
PROGRAM PENSISWAZAHAN GURU
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
MONTH

ACTIVITY

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2015

29 DEC

6 JAN

13 JAN

20 JAN

Meetings with supervisors

Refining chapters 1, 2, 3
Refine instrument for data collection
Prepare for data collection e.g
ask permission/approval
determine sample
finalize materials, time & place
Collect data (conduct action research)
Analyze data
Write chapters 4 & 5
Refine all chapters
Complete final draft of AE (soft-bound copy)
Conduct turnitin analysis for plagiarism check
Complete final draft of AE (soft-bound copy)

Chapters 1-5
Title page, etc
Appendices
Table of contents
References (follow APA 6th style)
Turnitin plagiarism report
8

MONTH

ACTIVITY

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

JANUARY

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2014

2015

29 DEC

6 JAN

13 JAN

20 JAN

29 NOVEMBER 2014
Students submit soft/comb bound copies to supervisors
6 JANUARY 2015
Supervisors return soft/comb bound copies to students
for corrections & TURNITIN PLAGIARISM SIMILARITY
INDEX [note 2]
13 JANUARY 2015
Students submit 2 hard bound copies & 1 CD pdf) and
submission form to supervisors for signature.
Then students submit ONE hard bound copy together
with the submission form to the office. The supervisor
will keep ONE hard bound copy and the one *CD.
Supervisors submit FINAL TURNITIN PLAGIARISM
SIMILARITY INDEX and students marks/grades to the
Academic Exercise Coordinator
20 JANUARY
Moderation meeting of heads of program, coordinators
and supervisors concerned. Others supervisors may be
invited for the moderation

ACTION RESEARCH REPORT PROGRESS FORM

N.B.: This form has to be completed by the supervisor and signed by both the students and
supervisor before handing in together with the results form
(epjj) EDU650 Action Research Progress Report Form

Sept 2014

Name of student:
Student No.:
Title of Action research Thesis:

Supervisor:
Submission Date:
F2F/NF2F
Date of
consultation

Matters discussed

Action to be taken
by student

Supervisors comments

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Signature - Supervisor:
Signature Student:

10

COURSE SYLLABUS (EDU 650)

Course Information
ACADEMIC EXERCISE
SEPTEMBER
Year: 2014
Phone: 03 55227363
Lim Wai Fun (Dr)
Email:
limwa406@salam.uitm.edu.my
By appointment
-

Course:
Semester:
Core Person
/Instructor:
Office Hours
Texts

Course Description
This course is consultative in nature and students continue to work on their research
proposal from research methodology course in the previous semester. Refinement of
chapters 1, 2 and 3 will continue and at the same time chapters 4 and 5 will be written. In
this course, students will collect, analyse and interpret data in order to write chapter 4 and
5 of the academic writing.
Course Outcomes
Upon completion of EDU 650 a student will be able to:
1. conduct data collection, analyze and interpret findings
2. write the analysis and conclusion chapter of the report
3. write and complete the report

Assessment
Methods
Thesis writeup/Creative
Project/Action
research
Program
Outcomes

Methods
Students will submit the
completed thesis

Weightage

CO1

100%

PO1

PO2

PO3

PO4

PO5

PO6

PO7

CO2

CO3

PO8

PO9

Program Outcomes
1. Subject knowledge and skills
2. Practical/Professional skills
3. Thinking and scientific skills
4. Communication skills
5. Social skills, teamwork and responsibilities
6. Values, ethics, moral and professionalism
7. Information management and lifelong learning
8. Management and entrepreneurship
9. Leadership skills
Soft Skills
CS
CTPS
LLIM
TS

Assessment

ES

EM

LS

Overall work and attitude

11

Soft Skills
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Communication Skills (CS)

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills (CTPS)
Life-long learning and informational Management (LLIM)
Team work (TS)
Entrepreneurship (ES)
Professional Ethics and Moral (EM)
Leadership Skills (LS)

Student learning time (SLT)

F2F/NF2F

SLT/week

SLT

F2F

0.5

Collect data

NF2F

28

Analyze data

NF2F

42

Report writing

NF2F

42

Lecture
Studio/Lab.

Traditional
contact hours

Tutorial
Supervision

Additional (Guided / supervised)

in class and off class teaching-learning
activities (ATLA)
(Managed) Independent learning
activities
Self-learning
TOTAL

120
MQF Credit (Total
SLT/40)

Grading Policies
The grading scale as explained in the course catalog will be used:

Thesis writeup/Creative
Project/Action
Research

80-100% = A

65-69% = B

75-79% = A-

60-64% = B-

70-74% = B+

55-59% = C+

50-54% = C

Students will submit the completed thesis

100%

12

Thesis/Creative Project/Action research Evaluation

Assessment for the write-up will be guided by the questions below:
1)
2)

Is the research problem/line of enquiry clearly identified?

Are the aims and/or objectives of the research clearly specified? Do the research
questions correspond to the objectives of the research?
3) Has appropriate literature been examined to contribute to the understanding of the
research problem and/or conceptual framework for the study?
4) Are the conceptual framework and theoretical assumptions clearly stated?
5) Are the research methods clearly outlined?
6) Are the project design, methods of data collection and analysis appropriate to the aims
of the research?
7) Does the research project appear feasible, given what is known about the proposed
research methods, time frame, etc.?
8) Are the intended research outputs appropriate or realistic? Are limitations spelled out?
9) Does the analysis of data answer the research questions? Are the results of analysis
presented appropriately?
10) Does the research project have a potential social impact, e.g. promote problem solving,
policy development or evaluation?
11) Is the thesis written in a clear manner with excellent use of language and free of
grammatical errors?
Score: 80-100

A write-up of this score:

Score: 70-79

Presents a clear statement of the research problem

Identifies a relevant and novel topic of research
Provides clearly specified research objectives
Pose answerable research questions
Provides a review of appropriate literature that contributes to
the understanding of the research problem and conceptual
framework
Demonstrates an excellent selection of research design and
methods of data collection and analysis that answers the
research questions
Provides excellent and adequate discussion and
recommendation based on the findings
Excellent presentation of formatting and layout from beginning
to end of thesis
A write-up of this score:

Presents a clear statement of the research problem

Provides research objectives and research questions
Considers appropriate literature that contributes to the
understanding of the research problem and conceptual
framework
Demonstrates understanding of research design and methods
of data collection and analysis that answers the research
questions
Provides good and acceptable discussion and recommendation
based on the findings
Good presentation of formatting and layout from beginning to
end of thesis

13

Score: 60 - 69

A write-up of this score:

Score: 50 - 59

Presents a clear statement of the research problem

Provides research objectives and research questions
Reviews literature but less directed to understanding the
research problem
May contain multiple errors in basic grammar, but remains
generally clear to the reader.
Provides weak and inadequate discussion and recommendation
based on the findings
Excellent presentation of formatting and layout from beginning
to end of thesis
Several errors in presentation of formatting and layout from
beginning to end of thesis
A write-up of this score:

Score: 0 49

Contains the basic research proposal elements but may lack

clarity on the problem and objectives of the research.
Shows lack of understanding of appropriate research design
and methods of data collection.
Has multiple grammatical errors and suffers a lack of overall
clarity.
Provides poor and inadequate discussion and recommendation
based on the findings
Excellent presentation of formatting and layout from beginning
to end of thesis
Many errors in presentation of formatting and layout from
beginning to end of thesis
A write-up of this score

Poor basic research planning with un-clear statement of

problem and objectives
Poor understanding of appropriate design and methods of data
collection
Shows evidence of plagiarism/lifting
Contains excessive grammatical errors
Lacks logic and cohesiveness in write-up
Poor discussion and unsuitable recommendation
Presentation of formatting and layout contains flaws from
beginning to end of thesis

14

ACTION RESEARCH EVALUATION FORM (RUBRICS)

Aspects

Marks

Evaluators
Comments

Research title appropriately reflects the research

(4 marks)
1. Introduction /Reflection of Previous Teaching&
Learning (10 marks)
Research problem clearly identified and
explained with examples from current
teaching situation or previous research
findings or findings from interviews with
relevant authorities/teachers to prove that
the research problem really exists (imaginary
problems are not acceptable for a research
thesis)
2. Objectives/Purpose of research explained clearly
(5 marks)
3. Literature Review of theoretical or conceptual
framework (10 marks)
Current and relevant literature/theory clearly
but briefly explained or summarized.
N.B. Copying and pasting without documentation
constitutes plagiarism; therefore marks will be deducted
accordingly
4. Limitations of research/anticipated problems clearly
explained (6 marks)
5. Research Methodology (30 marks)
The following are written clearly and *accompanying
graphs, tables, charts, etc are clearly presented
(*optional)
Research setting (5 marks)
Sample (5 marks)
Intervention/treatment/teaching aid or
technique or strategy, and procedure for data
collection explained well ,etc (10 marks)
Instruments for data collection & data
analysis are justified & suitable respectively
(10 marks)
6. [OPTIONAL] 1st cycle or pilot study briefly described,
so actual study is the 2nd cycle

marks

7. - Findings and discussion presented & written

clearly [in the form of tables, charts, etc]
(10 marks)
Analysis and discussion clearly explained and
there is cross-referencing to findings reviewed in
the literature section (5 marks)

15

8. Reflection of research presented (15 marks)

What researcher has learnt from conducting
the research (5 marks)
Limitations of research (5 marks)
Suggestions for carrying out future research
for next cycle (5 marks)
9. Layout & References (follows the APA 6th style)
(5 marks)
*TOTAL MARKS (100) / OVERALL GRADE:

** FOR TESL STUDENTS, THE COMPONENT OF LANGUAGE IS TO BE GIVEN EXTRA

EMPHASIS AND EVALUATED THROUGH OUT THE CHAPTERS. SUPERVISORS ARE
REMINDED TO PENALISE STUDENTS FOR POOR LANGUAGE USE AND TO ENSURE
THAT THE OVERALL MARKS AWARDED REFLECT BOTH THE CONTENT OF THE
RESEARCH AND ALSO THE COHERENCE AND OVERALL ORGANIZATION OF THE
WRITE-UP/THESIS.

16

ACADEMIC EXERCISE / CREATIVE PROJECT / ACTION RESEARCH

EVALUATION FORM (OVERALL)

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

FACULTY OF EDUCATION

NAME OF STUDENT

MATRIC NUMBER

NAME OF SUPERVISOR

TITLE OF THESIS:

*TOTAL MARKS and OVERALL GRADE:

TURNITIN SIMILARITY INDEX: (please attach front page together with this form to be handed in)

* If grade is an F, please provide reasons for failure: (please write below or on the other side of page.
TQ)
Percentage
90 100
80 89
75 79
70 74
65 69
60 64
55 59
50 54
47 49
44 46
40 43
30 39
0 29

Grade
A+
A
AB+
B
BC+
C
CD+
D
E
F

Result
Pass with distinction

Pass with credit

Pass
Fail

Grade Point
4.00
4.00
3.67
3.33
3.00
2.67
2.33
2.00
1.67
1.33
1.00
0.67
0.00

_______________________________________
SIGNATURE OF SUPERVISOR and/or 2

nd

evaluator (if there is moderation)

DATE:

17

Table of Contents
Page
Acknowledgement
Abstract
1.0 Introduction
2.0 Research Objective(s)/Research Questions/Hypothesis
3.0 Literature Review
4.0 Limitations of Research (before conducting the research)
5.0 Methodology
5.1

Research Design

5.2

Sample Size (& School)

5.3

Instrument/ Measurement

5.4

Intervention/treatment

5.5

Data collection

5.6

Data analysis

6.0 Findings and Discussion

6.1

Findings

6.2

Discussion

7.0 Reflection of Research

7.1

Review about the research conducted

7.2

Limitations of research (after conducting the research)

7.3

Suggestions for future research

8.0 Conclusion
References (APA style)
Appendices
(example: lesson plan, teaching aids for intervention, pictures)

18

TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF ACTION RESEARCH REPORT

LAYOUT
Paper
i.

Size
A4 (210mm x 297mm)

ii.

Type
The first draft must be on a similar type of paper weighing at least 70gm

iii.

Colour
Only white paper will be accepted

Typing
i.

Typeface
Times New Roman

ii.

Font size
12

iii.

Spacing
Double spacing for body of text. Single spacing allowed for
acknowledgements
abstract and its Bahasa Malaysia translation
table of contents
list of tables and illustrations
references

iv.

Paragraphing
For each new paragraph, the first line must be four lines below the last
sentence of the previous paragraph. The first paragraph of each new heading
must begin from the left. Indentation for a new paragraph is after six tabs or
12.5 mm from the left margin.

v.

Footnotes and endnotes

Avoid using any notes in the text. The text, if carefully planned, will have all
relevant information. Additional notes should not be necessary. HOWEVER,
APA style guidelines recommend the use of endnotes/footnotes in place of
long distracting explanatory notes.
(http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resourse/560/04/)

vi.

Hyphenation
Do not break words at the end of a line. The exception is compound words
which can be broken into two parts, each with its own meaning (e.g. homework, black-board, head-mistress) In this case, it is possible to break the word
at the end of a line. Make sure that the hyphen is placed correctly (e.g. groupwork, not group work)
19

vii.

Title
All titles/headings (except subtitles) must be
Bold
Capitalised
Centered

Printing and duplicating

i.

Printing
On one side of the paper only

ii.

Duplicating
Only photostated copies or offset prints of high quality will be accepted.
Stencil prints or carbon copies are not accepted

i.

Copies for Evaluation

A copy for the supervisor for evaluation need not be bound

Binding

Three (3) final copies) must be bound using bal chrome cover and prints on
the cover must be in gold capital letters. The standard colour for the cover is
purple. The copies are for:
1.
2.
3.
4.

student
supervisor
Faculty of Education
Ministry of Education (optional)

To be submitted to the General Office, Faculty of Education.

ii.

Soft copy
A soft copy on CD in PDF format must be submitted to Faculty of Education
together with the bound copies.

Cover page
i.

Front cover
Information on the front must be in gold capital letters measuring 18
points. The information must be arranged in the following order:
Project title
(arranged in an upside-down pyramid order and 60mm
from the top)
Students full name
(as in Mycard)
Universiti Teknologi MARA
(60mm from the bottom)

20

ii.

Spine
Information on the spine must be typed in gold capital letters measuring
18 points. The information must be arranged in the following order:
Students full name
(as in Mycard)
Degree
Bachelor of Education (Primary Education) with Honours
Year of submission
UiTM
(60mm from the bottom)

FORMAT
Margins
i.

Measurement
Top margin
Bottom margin
Right margin
Left margin

:
:
:
:

25 mm from the top

25 mm from the bottom
25 mm from the right
38 mm from the left

ii. Notes
All headings except for the title, references, and appendix must be typed
50mm from the top.
Tables and illustrations must be within the required margins.
The last paragraph in the page must have at least two (2) lines of
typewritten text.

Pagination
i. Location of page number
The number must be on the right hand corner, 15mm from the top and 25 mm
from the right for the last digit of a number. Use the same typeface for the
number as the typeface of the text. The number must not be accompanied by
any decorative accents.
ii. Page numbering
The first page (beginning with the title page) must be numbered in sequence
with small Roman numbers : i, ii, iii, etc. The first page or the title page is
understood as the (i) page and the number is not typed
The page number of the text must be in Arabic numerals 1, 2, 3, etc.

21