Ueljane R.

Bello

BEED 3B

Assignment 1:

1. Define what is research and action research.

 Basic (aka fundamental or pure) research is driven by a scientist’s curiosity or interest in
a scientific question. The main motivation is to expand man’s knowledge, not to create
or invent something. There is no obvious commercial value to the discoveries that result
from basic research.
Basic research is experimental or theoretical work undertaken primarily to acquire new
knowledge of the underlying foundations of phenomena and observable facts, without
any particular application or use in view.
- OECD Frascati Manual, Sixth edition, 2002, para. 64, page 30.
 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, decisionmaking and the
development of more effective classroom strategies.
- Parsons and Brown (2002)
Action Research is a fancy way of saying let’s study what’s happening at
Our school and decide how to make it a better place.
- Emily Calhoun (1994)
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.
- Christina Miller (2007)

2. What are the characteristics of basic research and action research?

 Basic Research
1. Empirical – based on observations and experimentation
2. Systematic – follows orderly and sequential procedure.
3. Controlled – all variables except those that are tested/experimented upon are
kept constant.
4. Employs hypothesis – guides the investigation process
5. Analytical – There is critical analysis of all data used so that there is no error in
their interpretation
6. Objective, Unbiased, & Logical – all findings are logically based on empirical.
7. Employs quantitative or statistical methods – data are transformed into
numerical measures and are treated statistically.
  Action research is characterised by clear stages, which include:
1. A consideration of action (reflection and reconnaissance);
2. Implementation of an action for improvement to individual practice;
3. The use of data collection on the action;
4. A review of the action through consideration of data;
5. The identification of further opportunities for improving intervention.

3. What is the historical background of action research?

Background of Action Research

The term action research was coined by the social psychologist Kurt Lewin in the United States
in about 1944 in connection with research which aimed to promote social action through
decision making and active participation of practitioners in the research process.
The target group for Lewin’s programme of action research was field workers who were trying
to improve relations between minority groups in American society. Lewin believed that through
Action research advances in theory and much needed social change might simultaneously be
achieved.

It was in the field of group dynamics and human relations that Lewin’s ideas flourished initially
And continue to flourish today. For instance he directly influenced the foundation and
Subsequent work of the Tavistock Institute for Human Relations which was established after his
Visits to Britain in the 1930s.

Since that time, most attempts to explain action research have emphasised the close
Relationship between research or investigation on the one hand and action or practice on the
Other. For example Rapoport (1970) defined action research as:
... a type of applied social research differing from other varieties in the immediacy of the
researcher’s involvement in the action process.

(In Deakin University, 1988, The action research reader, p. 89)In addition there is a clear
understanding that action research is research undertaken by those in the field: field workers,
teachers, administrators or supervisors in order to change and improve their own practice. It is
moreover usually thought of as a group process which enables Co-operative work to influence
both thought and action among group members.

4. Why should educators conduct research?

With an ever-increasing desire for evidence in the classroom, more and more teachers are
conducting their own research. This enables them to try out new ideas, to share results with
others, and to contribute to the growing evidence-base around teaching and learning.

Much of the research into educational practice is carried out by researchers who are following a
specific line of enquiry relating to their own interests. This often involves taking an idea, which
may have arisen through previous neuroscience or cognitive psychology research, and working
 with teachers to test it out in the classroom. Teachers are increasingly having an important role
in this kind of lab-to-classroom research, but there are also examples of teachers taking the lead
in running their own studies.

Rather than waiting for results of trials from large-scale studies run by academics, teachers are
following their own interests, and trying out ideas in their classrooms, to see for themselves
what works. While many teachers have been doing this for a long time already, there is an
increase in the formalisation of this procedure. Teachers can find support from organisations or
individuals who provide advice on study design.

5. What are the indications of action research?

Action research creates knowledge based on enquiries conducted within specific and often
practical contexts. As articulated earlier, the purpose of action research is to learn through
action that then leads on to personal or professional development.

The purpose of action research in education is to improve teaching and learning by taking a
collaborative, reflective, problem-solving approach to investigating classroom practice. Action
research involves cycles of planning, implementing, observing, and reflecting on changes made
to improve practice.

6. What are the basic steps in conducting basic research and action research?
 BASIC RESEARCH
1. Identify and develop your topic
2. Do a preliminary search for information
3. Locate materials
4. Evaluate your sources
5. Make notes
6. Write your paper
7. Cite your sources properly
8. Proofread
 ACTION RESEARCH
1. Identify a problem to be studied
2. Collect data on the problem
3. Organize, analyze, and interpret the data
4. Develop a plan to address the problem
5. Implement the plan
6. Evaluate the results of the actions taken
7. Identify a new problem
8. Repeat the process