Action Research

Definition

Action research is a form of investigation designed for use by teachers to attempt to solve problems and improve professional practices in their own classrooms. It involves systematic observations and data collection which can be then used by the practitioner-researcher in reflection, decision-making, and the development of more effective classroom strategies. - Parsons and Brown (2002)

Action research is a natural part of teaching. Teachers are continually observing students, collecting data, and changing practices to improve student learning and the classroom and school environment. Action research provides a framework that guides the energies of teachers toward a better understanding of why, when, and how students become better learners. - A. Christine Miller (2007)

Characteristics of the method

• Collaboration between researcher and member of an organization to solve organizational problems.
• Action study assumes the social world to be constantly changing, both, researcher and research being one part of that change.

Main uses of the method

• To help the researcher test your hypotheses or answer your research questions.
• To measure the concept in which you are interested as precisely as possible.
• To determine the characteristics of a population or a community.
• To define existing conditions in a community or region.
• Researchers can judge behavior and then present the findings in an accurate way.
• To answer questions that have been raised, solve problems that have been posted or observed, assess needs and set goals, determine whether specific objectives have been met, establish baselines against which future comparisons can be made, analyze trends across time, and generally, to describe what exists, in what amount, and in what context.

Advantages of Action Research

• High level of practical relevance of the business research.
• Can be used with quantitative, as well as qualitative data.
• Possibility to gain in-depth knowledge about the problem.
• Action study also has the benefit of the problem-solving skills of the professionals within and without their service centers.
• Action research aids teachers to be more reflective of the situation they are faced with and the ability to meet the requirements of the students.
• Action research has the ability to sharpen the reasoning abilities of the practitioner and aids them in the development of measures of self-monitoring to augment performance effectiveness.
• Action research aids in the improvement of confidence among practitioners during the performance of their duties.

Disadvantages of Action Research

• Delays in completion of action research due to a wide range of reasons are not rare occurrences
• The validity in writing and presentation of the final report by the practitioner. A practitioner may not give a correct report owing to matters that may not be good for the profession including a conclusion that may be critical of their methods of practice.
• The other matter is the objectivity in writing a report, as the practitioner may not be able to separate personal issues and write the report in an objective manner as these touch on his /her profession.
• The ability to deliver a report that is objective, efficient, and of high quality is affected. The last matter for this assertion is if the practitioner will be willing to take corrective action on the findings of the report.
• The results of action research cannot be generalized. The results can only be applicable to the portion of the population studied and the exact system.