Action Research is a basic problem-solving process. At the heart of action research is self-evaluation and reflection.

Teachers may want the students to use the Action Research Process graphic organizer to help organize their study.

Steps to Action Research Process:

• A problem or issue is identified to be investigated.
• The problem or issue is usually first explored by examining other research.
• A tool is selected or created to gather data to examine the problem or issue.
• Data is collected and examined.
• Throughout the process, the investigators self-monitor and reflect on the process. Appropriate adjustments are made to the investigation based on the reflection process.
• The data is examined and leads to action, such as a change of behaviour, perceptions, approaches, etc.
• A report of some kind is usually given as a way of describing the process and findings and the resulting change.

Examples:

Problem / Issue - What are problems faced by recent immigrants when they arrive in Québec? What are the recycling practices of students during a typical lunch period at school? What are the attitudes of students about the student council elections?

Tools for Data collection - Surveys, interviews, focus groups

Examination of data - spreadsheets, qualitative analysis of reading / listening to responses and transcribing pertinent data,

Reflection Process - journals, blogs, online discussion boards, collaborative talk groups, ePEARL

Action - Students will be encouraged to follow up their study with taking action in an authentic manner. This may take the form of publicly publishing their findings, changing a practice, taking a stand, or initiating an action which can bring about social change.

Report - Students are encouraged to report their findings in a meaningful manner. This may take the form of a presentation or a publication.

For more reading about the basics to Action Research, follow this link .