Action Research

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.”

Ghandi

About Action Research

Action research is a self-directed approach to professional development that educators can use to examine a problem, concern, or area of interest. It has the potential to both improve practice and meet the needs of students. While it may be conducted individually, action research can be strengthened by collaborating with colleagues.

There are many models of action research, but in some form or another an action research cycle generally involves: identifying a problem or question, forming a plan to address it, taking action, collecting and analyzing data, and reflecting on and/or reporting about the process.

There are a number of books and resources available to support the implementation of action research. Choosing a version that is user friendly and contains practical tools and templates can be helpful.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Conducting Action Research

Phases of an Action Research Cycle

Plan

Select a topic of concern or interest to explore:

Expand your knowledge of the topic:

1

2

Take Action

Enact the plan:

3

Observe

Analyze the data:

Reflect

Consider the results of the process:

4

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.”

Ghandi

About Action Research

There are many models of action research, but in some form or another an action research cycle generally involves: identifying a problem or question, forming a plan to address it, taking action, collecting and analyzing data, and reflecting on and/or reporting about the process.

There are a number of books and resources available to support the implementation of action research. Choosing a version that is user friendly and contains practical tools and templates can be helpful.

5 Reasons You Should Consider Conducting Action Research

AR allows you to study a topic of interest or issues that are specific and relevant to you and your school.

AR is a way for you to improve your practice.

AR has the potential to improve student outcomes.

AR is a means to implement change.

As an educator, you are most likely doing something similar in your daily practice already. Action research simply involves validating evidence and opening it to others for evaluation.

Phases of an Action Research Cycle

1

2

3

4

“If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. ... We need not wait to see what others do.”

Ghandi

About Action Research

​

There are many models of action research, but in some form or another an action research cycle generally involves: identifying a problem or question, forming a plan to address it, taking action, collecting and analyzing data, and reflecting on and/or reporting about the process.

There are a number of books and resources available to support the implementation of action research. Choosing a version that is user friendly and contains practical tools and templates can be helpful. ​

5 Reasons You Should Consider Conducting Action Research

​​

AR allows you to study a topic of interest or issues that are specific and relevant to you and your school.

AR is a way for you to improve your practice.

AR has the potential to improve student outcomes.

AR is a means to implement change.

​As an educator, you are most likely doing something similar in your daily practice already. Action research simply involves validating evidence and opening it to others for evaluation.

Phases of an Action Research Cycle

​

​

1

2

3

4

There are a number of books and resources available to support the implementation of action research. Choosing a version that is user friendly and contains practical tools and templates can be helpful.

As an educator, you are most likely doing something similar in your daily practice already. Action research simply involves validating evidence and opening it to others for evaluation.