Disucssion 1 EDU 708

Vickie

Action research is a process designed to collect, analyze, and reflect on data related to instructional practices and learning outcomes. Teachers, with the assistance of a facilitator, carry out the action research in the classroom setting. The process involves collecting data to reflect on the inquired instructional practices and learning outcomes. Action research is a long process and focuses on at least one of the school development plan's elements (Action Research in Education., 2014, 0:32-01:33).

One of the benefits of action research is that teachers can collect data within the classroom setting and reflect on it. Furthermore, action research provides schools with support and guidance in developing expert teachers and identifying effective instructional practices to promote learning (Action Research in Education., 2014, 02:11-04:01).

Tina

According to the video What is action research?, great teachers always experiment in order to make necessary decisions when planning and implementing their daily lessons.  In order to determine what teaching strategies are most successful and benefit all students, a teacher uses data and research to develop a plan of action.  This method of constant data analysis and research is known as Action Research. 

Action Research is the process in which teachers, like scientist, propose a question, test a strategy, gather data and finally determine if it works through active practice.  Action research happens simultaneously usually during a school year in order for teachers to determine if the research and theory actually work for those students.  Being that action research begins with inquiry most often the planning and inquiry phase can happen during a PLC as teachers work together to analyze data to create a flexible plan that can be tested.  Teachers may adapt a research based test, in order to design an implementation plan using research. 

The benefits of Action research is that since the process is happening while teachers are having interactions with students, teachers are able to determine if it is working or if changes need to be made to benefit students.  Each year  you may get a different type of learner in your classroom and therefore the constant and active process of researching, planning, implementing and assessing helps teachers and students to learn as much as they can in order to make learning gains.