What is Action Research?

​Action research is a structured investigation method that involves teachers reflecting on their own practice, identifying areas for improvement, implementing changes, and evaluating the impact of those changes. It's a powerful tool that empowers educators to become researchers of their own practice. By engaging in action research, teachers can gain deeper insights into their teaching methods, student learning, and overall classroom environment. This process not only leads to improved teaching and learning outcomes but also fosters a culture of continuous professional development. By examining their own practices, teachers can identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and evaluate the impact of those changes on student learning.
As I progress through the ADL program, this course has evaluated the outcomes of my innovation plan, which focuses on assessing the effectiveness of blended learning in teacher professional development, particularly within a new teacher mentor program. Below, I outline the stages and steps of the action research process.
Action research empowers educators to take charge of their own professional development by examining their teaching practices. Unlike traditional research, it allows for hands-on experimentation and real-world application. By following a cycle of planning, acting, developing, and reflecting, educators can identify areas for improvement, implement changes, and assess their impact. This approach fosters a culture of continuous learning and innovation. ​

Action Research Outline

To guide my research, I developed an outline that addresses key questions and focuses my approach. This outline includes the research topic, background information, demographic considerations, research purpose, research questions, research design, data collection methods, measurement instruments, and ideas for the literature review. While the outline is a crucial component of the planning stage, it is important to note that it is just one piece of the puzzle.

Literature Review 

After developing the outline for the research, it was necessary to review the related literature associated with the concepts outlined. This process provided a deeper understanding of the topic being studied. The literature review enhances comprehension of the subject matter.

Action Research Plan

The action research plan outlines the steps involved in implementing blended learning specifically in new teacher mentor programs. This process includes observable interactions, teacher reflections, feedback, and tracking student data to assess the results. By engaging in action research, educators can examine their teaching practices, identify areas for improvement, and implement evidence-based strategies to enhance student outcomes using blended learning as an extra layer of support.

References

John Spencer. (2017, January 11). What is Action Research? A Visual Explanation. [Video]. YouTube.                                                            https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov3F3pdhNkk

Mertler, C. A. (2020). Action research: Improving schools and empowering educators. SAGE
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