ACTION RESEARCH PROCESS

Issues and problems actually arise inevitably in the classroom. Oftentimes, because they recur, the teacher already becomes used to them that they (i.e issues/problems) end up being neglected and unaddressed.

These circumstances provide rich, fallow soil on which action research could flourish. Having identified the phenomenon which is to be studied, the teacher-researcher is now ready to embark onto the next step which is formulating the research problems.

The research problems are the specific queries that the teacher-researcher wants to be enlightened about. These are used as stepping-stones to gathering the data needed.

Data collection follows. This part enables the researcher to accumulate the necessary information for him to satisfy the problems earlier posed. Various data collection techniques may be utilized, such as (but not limited to) using a questionnaire/survey tool, interviewing, observing, documentary analysis, et cetera.

Data analysis, followed by data interpretation, enters the picture. This is where the researcher will group/categorize/arrange the data gathered in order to address the concerns of the research. Then, he will expound on the meanings and implications of these date. While he mixes his background knowledge to the research report, he also consults (for verification/validation) other written materials or researches to back him up.

Finally, he writes (and publishes, where possible) the research report as it already contains the conclusions he has come up with, and the recommendations he has formulated.

The second phase of the action research involves implementing the proposed action plan, and simultaneously evaluating its workability and impact. Where it fails, rescue is needed; where it fairly works, support must come in; where it does excellently, maintain it.

Then from the problems that arise, action research again starts. ^^

______________________________________________________________________________________
This is a raw essay on the topic action research, written by a neophyte researcher.. Constructive comments are most welcome. :)
*This was a paper submitted to Dr. Lloyd Orduña (Action Research class in PhD-Development Education, 2nd Sem., 2009-2010 - University of Baguio)*