Guidelines in Writing and Documenting the Completed Action Research

Suggested Format
1. The recommended font style is Century Gothic with 11 pt. font size. Typeface must be regular and consistent throughout the entire paper to facilitate
reading. Bold and italics may be used to emphasize words.
2. Observe the use of double line spacing. However, use only one space between words, after every comma, semicolon, or colon. Leave two spaces at
the end of every sentence before beginning a new one.
3. The first line of each paragraph and subheading should be indented one half-inch (0.5”).
4. Observe one-inch margins on all sides (top, left, bottom, and right).
5. Set the section heading in all capital letters and centered at the top of the page. (e.g., REFERENCES)
6. Have double space from the heading to the first line of the text.
7. Check the entire document for misspellings, typographical errors, grammatical errors, etc. or have someone else do it. As an alternative, you may use
the built-in features of a word processor. For example, in Microsoft Word, you may click Review on the menu bar then select Spelling & Grammar
Part Format/Structure Quality Criterion
Preliminary Pages
 This includes the
i.Title Page author’s/authors’ full name/s,
Paper Size: A4 the division/s from which the
Paper Orientation: Portrait author/s is/are from, the title of
Top Margin: 1”
Bottom Margin: 1” the Action Research, and the
Left Margin: 1.5” date of the completion of the
Right Margin: 1” study.
Paragraph indention: 1 tab (5  It is suggested that the title of
spaces)
Font Face: Century Gothic
the Action Research be in
Font size: 11 capital letters and should not
Line spacing: Double exceed 16 words that can fit in
Page Number Position: Upper an inverted pyramid form.
Right Corner
Page Number Format: Century
Gothic 10

ii.Abstract  This should summarize the content of the manuscript (topic introduction,  Reports new results, knowledge,
chief purpose/aim, method, results, and recommendations) with a and/or conclusions that are
 maximum of 200 to 250 words only. falsifiable.
 Topic introduction presents the conditions that propelled the conduct of the  Reports results that contribute to
research. the professional development of
 The chief purpose/aim states what the study intended to discover its proponents/researchers or
 The method mentions how the study was conducted. This includes the design, their peers; decision-makers; or
techniques, instruments (optional), and statistical treatment (optional). the welfare of stakeholders.
 The results present the salient findings in one or two sentences only
 The conclusions directly answer the chief purpose, the most important
discovery which contributes to new knowledge; supports or negates previous
conclusions and validates theory used.
 The recommendations (optional) tell what can be done next to effect the
necessary changes desired; its application or relevance.
 Keywords must contain FOUR components: research theme, concepts studied,
methods/process, and research locale.
 The middle heading is ABSTRACT in all capital letters and highlighted in
bold.
 The title of the study, researcher, position/designation, year of completion of
the manuscript should be indicated.
 The first line of each paragraph should be indented (one tab).
 Ideas must be connected using linking devices and transitions.
iii.Acknowledgement  In this section, the researcher expresses his gratitude to the different persons
who assisted and guided him to make his action research successful.

iv.Table of Contents  This preliminary part of the Action Research report is a list of the parts of the
report and the pages where they are found that serves as a guide to the reader on
where to find specific parts. With it, readers can easily locate the part of the
study that they want to read.
 It includes the preliminary pages, the pages for the List of Tables and List of
Figures, and the prescribed parts of the report.
I. Context and Rationale  In one to two paragraphs, introduce the general area to be addressed by the  Uses personal reflection to make
study. Use the description to create a sense of interest in the topic. a compelling case for
 In three to four paragraphs, reveal the real problems and show why it is urgent investigation and intervention.
 to solve them. Use factual data (obtained by researcher’s observation or quoted  Addresses “real” and “existing”
from valid references) to support the urgency of carrying out studies to solve issues and challenges identified
the problem. Relevant results of previous research are also good to write here. by its stakeholders.
 The last paragraph should bring up a very strong foundation and rationale of  Reports new results, knowledge,
the study and/or conclusions that are
 Discussion should be deductive from macro to micro concepts leading to the falsifiable.
problem  Reports results that contribute to
 Third person pronouns should be used the professional development of
 Ideas must be connected using linking devices and transitions. its proponents/researchers or
 Citing some references and sentences from published materials should be their peers; decision-makers; or
limited up to three references only the welfare of stakeholders.
 Single indention for every paragraph

II.Innovation,  The innovation, intervention, or strategy that had been implemented must be  Addresses “real” and “existing”
Intervention,and Strategy explained in detail in this part of the Action Research. issues and challenges identified
 Specific dates of implementation should be stated. by its stakeholders.
 It must be clearly shown how the treatment was able to address.
 If there were any digressions or departures from the planned implementation,
these must likewise be discussed here.
 Specific aspects of the intervention, innovation, or strategy that had been
implemented by different members of the research team should be included in
this part of the report with an explanation of the task assignments.
 If there were materials used to implement the innovation, these must also be
described here, referring to them as appendices.

III.Action Research  Research questions identify the problem/s which will be addressed by the  Addresses “real” and “existing”
Questions research in terms of investigating or testing an idea; trying out solutions to a issues and challenges identified
problem; creating new procedure or system; explaining phenomena; or a by its stakeholders.
combination of any of these
 The general aim of the study should be stated first followed by the specific
research questions.
  It should start from stating a question for establishing the baseline idea as to
the reasons why a research was conducted followed by the integration of
proposed intervention or the solutions to be undertaken and the last question
should be the plan of actions/proposed activities for further actions or
enhancement of the study/program.

IV. Action Research A. Research Design  Utilizes a research design that is

Methods  Provide a brief description of research design suitable to the nature and purpose correct and appropriate for
of the Action Research. investigating the chosen area of
focus, problem, or issue.
B. Participants and/or other Sources of Data and Information

 The details should be provided as to who will participate in the research;  Describes the chosen research
specific number of people and the characteristics of those who will participate design and resulting research
in the research; and how will the sample be selected and recruited processes in a manner that is
 If the researcher intends to utilize sample, the sampling design/procedure has understandable to other teachers
to be indicated. planning similar interventions
 Clear rationale for their inclusion in the study given. and researchers conducting
similar work.
C. Data Gathering Methods
 Describe the data collection method/s to be used
 Ensure that they are aligned with the research questions.
 The research instruments, if any, are appropriate for obtaining the desired kind  Secures the free, prior, and
of data/information. informed assent/consent of
research participants (and their
parents/legal guardians if the
D. Data Analysis participants are children).
 Describe the technique/s for data analysis to be used.
 Explain why the technique/s is/are appropriate for the nature of the  Uses quantitative (statistical)
and/or qualitative
 data/information to be collected and for addressing the research question/s. (thematic/content analysis,
process tracing) tools that are
appropriate to the problem/issue
and research design to analyze
data.

V. Discussion of Results A. Research Results/Findings  Reflects on its own findings in a

and Reflection  This part of the report presents the outcome of the analysis of research data manner that is accurate and
considering the intervention implemented. consistent with the results of the
 The following are some of the things that you need to remember in writing about researcher/s’ data analysis and
the research findings: engages with the researcher/s’
a. Results or findings should be presented in relation to the research question. understanding of the area of
If there are secondary questions, then results should be in sequence focus.
according to their order. Presenting results according to the instruments  Reports new results, knowledge,
used (e.g. questionnaire items, interview questions, observation points) must and/or conclusions that are
be avoided falsifiable.
b. Results can be presented through tables, graphs, charts, and diagrams, which  Reports results that contribute to
can be made more interesting with colors and readable titles. the professional development of
c. Narrative explanations and interpretation of results should precede tables and its proponents/researchers or
graphs. their peers; decision-makers; or
d. Tables and figures are labeled as “Figure” and presented sequentially using the welfare of stakeholders.
numbers. Labels for tables are written on top of them, while labels for
figures are provided at the bottom.
e. In explaining the results, include implications and cite probable causes of the
findings.
f. Discussion of findings should be clear and presented with as much detail as
could be extracted from the analyses.
B. Reflection
 One of the unique parts of the Action Research report is the reflection, which
follows a narrative format.
 In this part, the researcher shares what he or she has learned from the outcome/s
of the study.
  Noteworthy experiences during the conduct of the study can also be included in
this part.
 The following guide questions will help you in generating insights for inclusion
as reflection.
Guide Questions for Reflection
(1) What have you learned from the outcome of the Action Research?
(2) What have been your learning experience/s as a researcher in conducting
the study?
(3) What aspects of the study contributed to its success?
(4) What aspects of the study should be changed or improved in future
implementation of the intervention?
VI. Action Plan  Please be guided with the following questions and format in preparing your  Includes a clear and feasible
action plan: action plan (only for BERF-
A. What do you plan to do next looking at the findings of your study and funded research), and points to
comparing them with the objective/s of your Action Research? opportunities for future
B. How would you confirm the effectiveness of the intervention? interventions and studies.
C. What additional evidence might you collect in order to ascertain the
usefulness of the intervention?
D. How will you continue to apply the intervention to other students in your
class?
E. Based on the results of the study, what can you do to further improve the
teaching and learning process and/or for the innovation, intervention, or
strategy to succeed in future applications?
F. What might you do to propagate the implementation of the intervention on
other learners in other classes and/or schools?
G. What plans do you have for the dissemination and utilization of the results
of the Action Research?
H. Do the activities displayed on the Action Plan template specify the
objectives, activities or strategies, persons involved, and time frame?
Suggested template for an action plan:
Objectives Activities/Strategies Persons Involved
VII. References  APA format should be used to cite references within the paper. Guide for using
APA format could be accessed at http://www.apastyle.org/learn or
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html. A practical guide
for writing references using APA style, see the Referencing Style for JET.

VIII. Financial Report  The following template for summary of expenses can be used as guide for the
financial report.

MEANS OF
EXPENSES COST ESTIMATE ACTUAL COST
VERIFICATION

1. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

2. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

3. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

4.

5.

TOTAL PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

*add rows if necessary

PREPARED BY:

__________________________________
(Lead Researcher)
 CHECKED BY:

_________________________________
(Division)

IX. Annexes. Review the research report and attach all relevant annexes mentioned in the report.
The annexes may be documents (e.g. questionnaires) to support certain statements in
the report.

X. List of Tables. Review your action research report and list down all the tables which were presented
in the document.

XI. List of Figures. Review your action research report and list down all the tables which were presented
in the document.

Other Criterion for the  Shows that the researcher/s have

Whole Paper followed the four-step Action
Research Spiral (Reflect-Plan-
Act-Observe) in their research.
 Documents the research process
and results in accordance with
the prescribed rules.
 Utilizes language that is
appropriate and understandable
to the group being studied.
 Cites and acknowledges sources
per the guidelines of ONLY one
style guide, whether required by
another authority or chosen by
the researcher, throughout the
research paper.
Guidelines in Writing the BERF Completed Basic Research Output
Suggested Format
1. The recommended font style is Century Gothic with 11 pt. font size. Typeface must be regular and consistent throughout the entire paper to facilitate
reading. Bold and italics may be used to emphasize words.
2. Observe the use of double line spacing. However, use only one space between words, after every comma, semicolon, or colon. Leave two spaces at
the end of every sentence before beginning a new one.
3. The first line of each paragraph and subheading should be indented one half-inch (0.5”).
4. Observe one-inch margins on all sides (top, left, bottom, and right).
5. Set the section heading in all capital letters and centered at the top of the page. (e.g., REFERENCES)
6. Have double space from the heading to the first line of the text.
7. Check the entire document for misspellings, typographical errors, grammatical errors, etc. or have someone else do it. As an alternative, you may use
the built-in features of a word processor. For example, in Microsoft Word, you may click Review on the menu bar then select Spelling & Grammar
Part Format/Structure Quality Criterion
Preliminary Pages
 This includes the
i. Title Page author’s/authors’ full name/s,
Paper Size: A4 the division/s from which the
Paper Orientation: Portrait author/s is/are from, the title
Top Margin: 1” of the Basic Research, and the
Bottom Margin: 1” date of the completion of the
Left Margin: 1.5” study.
Right Margin: 1”  It is suggested that the title of
Paragraph indention: 1 tab (5 spaces) the Basic Research be in
Font Face: Century Gothic uppercase and should not
Font size: 11 exceed 16 words that can fit
Line spacing: Double in an inverted pyramid form.
Page Number Position: Upper Right Corner
Page Number Format: Century Gothic 10

ii. Abstract
  This should summarize the content of the manuscript (topic
introduction, chief purpose/aim, method, results, and
recommendations) with a maximum of 200 to 250 words only.
 Topic introduction presents the conditions that propelled the
conduct of the research.
 The chief purpose/aim states what the study intended to
discover
 The method mentions how the study was conducted. This
includes the design, techniques, instruments (optional), and
statistical treatment (optional).
 The results present the salient findings in one or two sentences
only.
 The conclusions directly answer the chief purpose, the most
important discovery which contributes to new knowledge;
supports or negates previous conclusions and validates theory
used.
 The recommendations (optional) tell what can be done next to
effect the necessary changes desired; its application or
relevance.
 Keywords must contain FOUR components: research theme,
concepts studied, methods/process, research locale
 The middle heading is ABSTRACT in all capital letters and
highlighted bold.
 The title of the study, researcher, position/designation, year of
completion of the manuscript should be indicated.
 The first line of each paragraph should be indented (one tab).
 Ideas must be connected using linking devices and transitions.

iii.Acknowledgement  In this section, the researcher expresses his gratitude to the

different persons who assisted and guided him to make his
action research successful.
iv. Table of Contents  This preliminary part of the Basic Research report is a list of the

I. Introduction of the Research
II. Literature Review
parts of the report and the pages where they are found that serves
as a guide to the reader on where to find specific parts. With it,
readers can easily locate the part of the study that they want to
read.
 It includes the preliminary pages, the pages for the List of Tables
and List of Figures, and the prescribed parts of the report.
 This part consists of the synopsis of the problem.  Addresses issues and
 The overview discussion may be presented by citing some challenges that are
phrases and sentences from published materials relevant to the interesting, novel, and current
study to the group being studied.
 Discussion includes presentation of the topic, global realities,
local realities, legal basis, researcher’s observation, research gap
and concept used (from macro to micro concepts leading to the
problem)
 The last portion of the introduction should bring a very strong
foundation (based from facts/observations) and rationale of the
study.
 The use of bibliographic references must be consistent; the year
of publication must be indicated.
 Citing some references and sentences from published materials
should be limited up to three references only
 Ideas must be connected using linking devices and transitions.
 This part cites theories and/or previous studies related to the  Participates in a scholarly
present research. Sources must be properly acknowledged. and/or policy discussion by
 The related literature can be local or foreign. citing relevant theories and/or
 The literature are derived from published articles, books, studies.
journals, magazines, novels, poetry and other written materials.  Presents its findings in a
 This section also includes research studies, published and manner that is accurate and in
unpublished, which have direct bearing to the present study. line with the results of its data
 Viewpoints and issues underlying the present research are analysis and is situated with
discussed and synthesized. They are critically evaluated to the reviewed and cited
identify inconsistencies or gaps in current knowledge or literature and studies
 educational policy that the study intends to address.
 Constructs are defined and presented in a conceptual framework.
Citation of literature sources is consistent.
 In each discussion, the objective of the study, relevant findings,
conclusions and recommendations should be included.
 The left heading is Literature Review in title case and
highlighted (bold).
 There must a brief introduction/description of conceptual
literature
 The length of each citation should be two (2) to three (3) double-
spaced paragraphs.
 The use of bibliographic references must be consistent; the year
of publication must be indicated.
 Ideas must be connected using linking devices
III. Research Questions  This part introduces the main problem of the study and the  Addresses issues and
research questions. challenges that are
 The left heading is Research Questions in title case and interesting, novel, and current
highlighted (bold). to the group being studied.
 The general aim of the study should be stated first followed by
the specific research questions.
 Research questions should be numbered using Hindu-Arabic
numerals.
IV. Scope and Limitation  This includes the coverage of the study area, the duration of the
study and the constraints that have direct bearing on the results of
the study.
 The scope of the study in the research paper contains the
explanation of what information or subject is being analyzed.
 The limitation of the study underscores the shortcomings,
conditions or influences that cannot be controlled by the
researcher that place restrictions on the methodology and
conclusions. Any limitations (e.g. the instruments utilized, the
sample, time constraints, etc.) that might influence the results
 should be mentioned.
V. Research Methodology A. Research Design
 In this section, the researcher chooses the most appropriate  Utilizes a research design that
research design for the present study. is correct and appropriate for
 This has to be supported by the citation of the brief description of the research questions and
the design context.
 The left heading is Research Design in title case and highlighted  Describes the chosen research
(bold). design and resulting research
 The first line of each paragraph should be intended. processes in a manner that is
 The use of bibliographic references must be consistent; the year understandable to other
of publication must be indicated. researchers conducting
B. Subjects of the Study similar work.
 This section comprises the discussion on how and where the
 Secures the free, prior, and
subjects of the study will be taken from.
informed assent/consent of
 It can either be the total population or a sample if population size
research participants (and
is large. If the researcher intends to utilize a sample, the sampling
their parents/legal guardians
design has to be indicated.
if the participants are
 The left heading is Subjects of the Study in title case and
children).
highlighted (bold)
 The first line of each paragraph should be intended.
C.Data Collection
 This parts includes the discussion of the data gathering
instruments used in the study such as questionnaire, test,
interview, focus group discussions, etc.
 The researcher will discuss the process of gathering data.  Uses quantitative (statistical)
 Having found the research instrument valid and reliable, the and/or qualitative (thematic /
researcher proceeded to ask permission and approval from the content analysis, process
head of agency where the subjects were employed. tracing) tools that are
 Once permitted, the researcher administered the instrument to the appropriate to the research
subjects of the study. question and design to
 The duration of the administration of the instruments and analyze data.
percentage retrieval must be stated.

VI. Discussion of Results and
Recommendations
VII. Dissemination and Advocacy Plans
 The statistical tools (if needed) in answering the research
questions must be described as used in the present study.
 distribution of the respondents may be presented in tabular form.
A. Results/Findings of the Study  Reports results that can be
 This part presents the results of the study by answering all the utilized by at least one of the
research questions in each problem and the presentation of following groups: decision-
answers in textual, tabular and/or graphical forms. makers, practitioners, and
 The middle heading is Results/Findings of the Study in all members of the group being
capital letters and highlighted (bold). studied.
 There must be a brief introduction/description of this part.  Reports new results,
 The left-side headings are highlighted (bold) and are knowledge, and/or
consecutively numbered throughout this section. If there are four conclusions that are
specific research questions, there will also four left-side headings. falsifiable.
 The first line of each paragraph should be intended.  Reports results or findings
 Label each tables consecutively. that are applicable to a
 Use linking devices and transitions as necessary to connect ideas. broader population, and/or
B. Recommendations useful in contexts other than
 The recommendations address the findings of the study. These the one studied.
include the following: review and utilization of the output; other  Contributes to theory and/or
significant findings which are not addressed in the output; and the knowledge base for
further research on the present study. enhancing future practice.
 Each recommendation should be brief and precise.
 The left heading is Recommendations in title case and
highlighted (bold).
 There must be a brief introduction/description of the
recommendations of the study.
 Recommendations are consecutively numbered.
 The first line of each recommendation should be intended
 This part should explain how the project will be shared with  Includes a clear and feasible
stakeholders, relevant institutions, organizations, and individuals advocacy plan (only for
 Research findings. Output may be disseminated through posters, BERF-funded research), a
 presentations and papers. discussion of
 Components of Dissemination Plan recommendations for future
A. Research Findings and Products - What is going to be research, and a set of policy
disseminated? and/or program
B. End Users - Who will apply it in practice? recommendations
C. Dissemination Partners- Individuals, organizations or
networks through whom you can reach end users
D. Communication- How you convey the research outcomes?
E. Evaluation- How you determine what worked?
F. Dissemination Work Plan - Where do you start?
VIII. References  APA format should be used to cite references within the paper.
Guide for using APA format could be accessed at
http://www.apastyle.org/learn or
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/research/r_apa.html.

IX. Financial Report

 The template below for summary of expenses can be used as
guide for the financial report.

EXPENSES COST ESTIMATE ACTUAL COST

1. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

2. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

3. PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

4.
 5.

TOTAL PHP 0.00 PHP 0.00

*add rows if necessary

PREPARED BY:

__________________________________
(Lead Researcher)

CHECKED BY:

_________________________________
(Division)

X. Annexes  Review the research report and attach all relevant annexes
mentioned in the report. The annexes may be documents (e.g.
questionnaire) to support certain statements in the report.

XI. List of Tables  Review your research report and list down all the tables which
was presented in the document.

XII. List of Figures  Review your research report and list down all the tables which
was presented in the document.

Other Criterion for the Whole Paper  Cites and acknowledges

sources per the guidelines of
ONLY one style guide,
whether required by another
 authority or chosen by the
researcher, throughout the
research paper.
 Documents the research
process and results in
accordance with the
prescribed rules.
 Utilizes language that is
appropriate and
understandable to the group
being studied.
 Cites and acknowledges
sources per the guidelines of
ONLY one style guide,
whether required by another
authority or chosen by the
researcher, throughout the
research paper