Classroom Action Research

Conducting classroom action research can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Having a well-defined plan
will make the process go more smoothly and result in more interesting and useful research. There are several models
you can follow to conduct classroom action research, but at its most basic form you will:

1. Identify a problem or research question(s).

2. Plan the research (including a literature review and theory of understanding or conceptual framework).
3. Collect and organize data.
4. Analyze data and make interpretations.
5. Reflect on the process and what you learned.
6. Share findings and take action.
7. Repeat the cycle with new questions or problems found in your research.

Figure 1: Classroom Action Research Model

Most models present action research as a cycle, starting with a question and ending with more questions. The image
above is intended to capture the cyclic nature of classroom action research.

Trustworthiness of Findings
For teachers studying their students or studying their own teaching it is important to understand that a major goal of
action research is to promote change that supports student learning and success. To attain this goal we need to be
able to trust the results of our work and be confident our conclusions are accurate. There are three primary ways to
do this.

The first is to collect data from more than one source (data triangulation) or with more than one research method
(methodological triangulation). In our work we used interview data and written text in addition to the drawings.
Triangulation, or using multiple data sources, will add to the trustworthiness of your findings.

Another way is to constantly be looking for other explanations or anything that might disprove our findings. This is a
difficult thing to do since we are often vested in our theories about what is taking place. But asking "What else could
explain what I am seeing?" can help us avoid any blind spots we may have and strengthens our research.
Finally, approaching classroom action research as a cycle will allow you to refine and strengthen your findings. Each
time you move though the cycle there are new opportunities to question, observe, and reflect. In this sense, your
research builds upon itself to enhance your understanding of teaching and student learning.

Conducting Classroom Action Research

For more information and models for conducting action research in your own teaching or classroom context, visit the
following websites:

 Center for Collaborative Action Research at Pepperdine University

 Madison Metropolitan School District's Action Research Guide
 Networks: An Online Journal for Teacher Research

Action Research Examples in Education

Teachers interested in studying their own teaching or classroom context often ask for action research examples in
education to give them an idea of what types of research can be done.

There are numerous approaches, data collection options, and ways to analyze data. We'll focus on two examples that
use our research methodology and drawings as the primary data source. Note that your research question(s) will
determine the best source of data. For the examples below, drawings are appropriate, especially when combined with
other sources of data.

The examples below highlight two ways drawings might be used in action research. Understand that finding the right
topic and research question(s) can be challenging. Before you begin planning your study, take the time think about
your topic and question. You will be rewarded with more satisfying and useful research findings.

Action Research in an ESL Classroom:

An example of using drawings to understand second language learners' prior learning experiences. The example also
includes the use of student writing and interviewing to support the research.

Action Research about Science Experiences: 

In this example of action research, drawings, along with other data sources, are used to study students' experiences
with science outside of the classroom context.

Sample Action Research Resources: 

Links to online resources that provide numerous examples of action research.

Action Research Topics in Education

Perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of research is identifying a useful, interesting, and manageable
question or topic.

According to Eileen Ferrance at the Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown University,
good action research topics in education are meaningful, concise, and higher-order questions that have not already
been answered. Further, they should be of interest to the researcher and have the potential to lead to improved
student learning.

Action Research Topics Using Drawings: sample Action Research topics

using drawings as a primary data source.

Action Research Examples: examples of Action Research by practicing

teachers using a wide variety of research methodologies.
What Makes a Good Question? Get ideas and suggestions on developing your own research questions.

Whatever action research topic you decide to study, remember that it should enable you to take meaningful action. In
addition, it should also be interesting enough to keep you engaged and motivated as you work through the process.
Finally, your research should allow you to improve your teaching and your ability to help students learn and be
successful.