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Week 12

Essential Question: What are the characteristics of an engaging Action Research Report?

I had a difficult time finding a clear answer to this essential question because action research is meant to inform the researching educator about how to make improvements for their students. Craig Mertler asks educators to consider the following question while planning their action research projects: “Why would you want to try to answer your questions or solve your problems about your students and your teaching by using someone else's methods, data, and results?” (2013). So what is an engaging action research project to one person might not be to the next, but if it helps them improve their instruction in their classroom then I would call it a success!

With that being said, there are some common characteristics of action research that I found while researching. According to Melinda Kolk (n.d.), action research is a cycle of inquiry and reflection in which you will determine 1) where you are, 2) where you want to be, and 3) how you are going to get there. In general terms, the cycle follows these steps:

  1. Identify the problem and envision success
  2. Develop a plan of action
  3. Collect data
  4. Analyze data and form conclusions
  5. Modify your theory and repeat the cycle
  6. Report the results

Based on Kolk’s article, I believe an engaging action research project must include a problem that is relevant to the participants. It is important that you “choose a question that is both answerable and worthy of the time investment required to learn the answer” (Kolk, n.d.).

Once the problem has been chosen, it is necessary that you develop a plan that includes the best methodologies for collecting information. This will “result in more accurate, meaningful, and reliable data” (Kolk, n.d.).

Finally, “as you are analyzing your data and drawing conclusions, share your findings. Discussing your results with another teacher can often yield valuable feedback” (Kolk, n.d.). Just as we want our students to reflect on their learning, it is critical that we do that same with our teaching. “In today's educational world, where accountability takes on greater importance each year, the art of teaching is essential; the science of teaching is critical” (Mertler, 2013).


Resources: 
Kolk, M. (n.d.). Embrace Action Research. Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.thecreativeeducator.com/v07/articles/Embracing_Action_Research 

Mertler, C. A. (2013, November). Classroom-Based Action Research: Revisiting the Process as Customizable and Meaningful Professional Development for Educators. Retrieved June 30, 2020, from https://www.beds.ac.uk/jpd/volume-3-issue-3/classroom-based-action-research-revisiting-the-process-as-customizable-and-meaningful-professional-development-for-educators

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