Research Tools

  Tools of Action Research

Action Research is a method of systematic enquiry that teachers undertake as researchers of their own practice. The enquiry involved in Action Research is often visualised as a cyclical process.

According to Geoffrey Mills, “Action research 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. This information is gathered with the goals of gaining insight, developing reflective practice, effecting positive changes in the school environment (and on educational practice in general), and improving student outcomes and the lives of those involved.”

Tools of action Research

v     Case Studies
A case study is usually an in-depth description of a process, experience, or structure at a single institution.  In order to answer a combination of ‘what’ and ‘why’ questions, case studies generally involve a mix of quantitative (i.e., surveys, usage statistics, etc.) and qualitative (i.e., interviews, focus groups, extant document analysis, etc.) data collection techniques.  Most often, the researcher will analyze quantitative data first and then use qualitative strategies to look deeper into the meaning of the trends identified in the numerical data.

v     Checklists
Checklists structure a person’s observation or evaluation of a performance or artifact. They can be simple lists of criteria that can be marked as present or absent, or can provide space for observer comments. These tools can provide consistency over time or between observers. Checklists can be used for evaluating databases, virtual IM service, the use of library space, or for structuring peer observations of instruction sessions.

v     Interviews
In-Depth Interviews include both individual interviews (e.g., one-on-one) as well as “group” interviews (including focus groups). The data can be recorded in a wide variety of ways including stenography, audio recording, video recording or written notes. In depth interviews differ from direct observation primarily in the nature of the interaction. In interviews it is assumed that there is a questioner and one or more interviewees. The purpose of the interview is to probe the ideas of the interviewees about the phenomenon of interest.

v     Observation

Sometimes, the best way to collect data through observation. This can be done directly or indirectly with the subject knowing or unaware that you are observing them. You may choose to collect data through continuous observation or via set time periods depending on your project. You may interpret data you gather using the following mechanisms:

1. Descriptive observations: you simply write down what you observe

2. Inferential observations:  you may write down an observation that is inferred by the subject’s body language and behavior.

3. Evaluative observation:
You may make an inference and therefore a judgment from the behavior. Make sure you can replicate these findings.

v      Surveys or Questionnaires
Surveys or questionnaires are instruments used for collecting data in survey research.  They usually include a set of standardized questions that explore a specific topic and collect information about demographics, opinions, attitudes, or behaviors.   Three popular programs that allow you to create online surveys are  Google Forms, Survey Monkey, and Poll Everywhere. A great (low-cost) tool for reference statistics is Gimlet.

Also see:

                  Rating Scales in Action Research

                 Tools of Action Research

       

                 Developing Action Research Design

                 Dynamics of Action Research in Educational Contexts