What Is Action Research?

The effectiveness of a teacher does not just come from the grades students achieve in a class. The effectiveness comes from the connections students can do to solve real-life problems or even being able to discover improved ways to address a need. Sometimes this is easy to measure, but other times it takes intensive study to determine the effectiveness. Action Research is just that – an intensive study in which educators measure the effectiveness of their own practices. Based on results, educators plan for improvement, and the research continues to conduct in a cyclical nature.

This course has measured the results of my innovation plan to include an Engineering Class in our schedule for the next school year. The infographic below breaks down the action research process into four stages with steps in each stage.

Action research goes beyond traditional research because it allows people to examine their own teaching rather than someone else’s and gives the opportunity to change situations rather than merely analyzes them. Educators improve their practices and feel empowered as they move through planning, acting, developing, and reflecting. 

Action Research Outline

Moving forward in my research, it’s necessary to answer a few important questions. The information on this outline helped to organize my thoughts and ensures that my plan is focused and thorough.

The outline contains a topic, background, demographics, purpose, research questions, research design, data collection, measurement instruments, literature review ideas, and keywords. The outline is just one component of the planning stage.

Literature Review

After the Action Research has an Outline, the researcher must then review the related literature. Reviewing the literature related to the research gives a deeper understanding of what the researcher will be studying. It helps the researcher know what to look for and understand the topic.

Open Google doc here 

Action Research Plan

The action research plan, a component of the planning stage, ​goes through what the researcher will do at each step in the action research process. This action research plan assesses the effectiveness of a Blended Learning innovation plan that will be using station rotations and E-Portfolios to increase overall student engagement and achievement. 

Students are surveyed and interviewed, formative assessments are tracked, data is analyzed, and results are communicated and reflected upon. Action research allows educators to examine their teaching practices and determine which are effective and which need improvement. 

Open Google doc here