Steps for action research
It is recommended that you follow these steps:
1. Decide on research question (in consultation with others)
Your question has to be significant, i.e., important to your teaching practice or the school community. It is also vital that you can take action based on your findings later. The question must be feasible in terms of time, effort and resources.
2. Plan research strategy and data collection strategies – involve others
Data collection is the process of gathering and measuring information on variables of interest, in a systematic fashion, to enable the answering of a stated research question, to test an hypotheses, or to evaluate an outcome. Accurate data collection is essential to maintaining the integrity of your research, regardless of the preference for defining it; quantitative or qualitative or both. The selection of appropriate data collection instruments reduces the likelihood of errors occurring.
3. Collect data, both quantitative and qualitative
4. Present the results If you require revision on the basic presenting of statistical information, there is a document in the readings list below.
5. Analyse the results
6. Draw conclusions from your research – what is the significance of the findings?
7. Take action based on your conclusions
8. Share your research with others.
Note: The steps are not always completed in this exact sequence – you may loop back through some steps several times.
