Defining Action Research
As we’ve seen in the introductory module, the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) research focuses specifically on the field of teaching and learning and can be conducted using various research approaches.
Action research is a specific research perspective that can be applied to many fields and disciplines including the field of education.
Video
Definitions
There are many formal definitions of action research, but to quote only one would be insufficient.
Below are a few examples that define action research.
- Action research is a method of systematically examining behavior to improve practice. The “action” refers to doing something. The “research” refers to thinking critically and logically about a problem. Together they form a powerful combination for making productive change in the “workplace”
(Duesbery & Twyman, 2020: p. 3) - The approach is only action research when it is collaborative, though it is important to realize that action research of the group is achieved through the critically examined action of individual group members.
(Kemmis and McTaggart 1988:5-6) - Action research is a process of democratizing research and educational practice. It is a process that employs systematic and sustained inquiry, and it is made public. It is a self-directed journey and an action in collaboration with students and/or colleagues.
(Holly et al. 2009; 43) - We often try out new strategies and make changes and modifications based on “how it worked” in our daily lives. Action research formalizes this intuition.
(Duesbery & Twyman, 2020: p. 3)
Types of Action Research
Presentation
The following three slides elaborate on collaborative, classroom, and participatory action research and provide examples and details in the videos available on each slide.
Action Research vs Traditional Research
Many of us are familiar with traditional research but are less familiar with the term action research.
Distinctions
Flash Cards
Action Research vs Traditional Research
Click the Turn button on each card to flip it from the Action Research side to the Traditional Research side.
Adapted from Duesbery, L., & Twyman, T. (2019).
100 Questions (and Answers) about Action Research. SAGE.
