Action Research

A summary of research on action research - Deakin University.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Thanks for tuning in!

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

I hope you have enjoyed this live Twitter feed discussing my research on the action research methodology.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

That said, the research I have done has given me a clearer understanding of this methodology and ideas for how I can use it as a teacher.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

The high-level ethics required for working with young people makes this methodology difficult to work in practice for such a small project.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

The ethics clearance alone makes it challenging, combined with my personal philosophy that students should have a clear voice.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

The research task was useful in determining that action research was not the right methodology for my minor thesis next trimester.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Ontological and epistemological questions still remain and will require further research for me to fully understand the answers.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

While less rigorous, it allows schools to work on continuous problem solving led by staff and involving students.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

A less academic, school-based, form of action research is perhaps it's best application

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

In particular, it has potential to allow students an active voice in problem solving, however, ethics makes this difficult.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

From research, I believe action research is useful within the school context to achieve democratisation and social justice.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

I believe that action research is useful, but perhaps not as rigorous as other research methods.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Many people argue that action research is not 'real research' but simply problem-solving. This is a challenge for the education disciplnie.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

A real debate is the validity/ legitimacy of action research.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Yes there are many debates, problems and challenges!

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

I believe it is important to ensure children are particularly well represented and enabled to share their reflections in research.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

The role of participants and ensuring that people have a strong / adequate voice in action research is also debatable.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Researchers must be careful not to push an agenda, but collaboratively look for solutions!

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

An example might be a principal trying to use action research in the school to convince staff of a change they want to implement.

[Action Research @actionresearch1]

Should action researched be used as an activist, trying to promote a change agenda?