ACTION RESEARCH

Overview, Requirements, Skills, Rubrics, and Forms

ACADEMIC YEAR 2020-2021

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Description Page 2

Standards Page 3-4

Content Page 5

Structure Pages 5-6

Style Page 6

Procedure and Submissions Page 7

Deadlines and Penalties Page 7

Grading and Bonus points Page 8-9

Journal Page 10

Rubrics Page 11-16

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 1 of 17

DESCRIPTION:

Action Research is known by many other names, including participatory research, collaborative
inquiry, emancipatory research, action learning, and contextual action research. However, it
refers to a wide variety of evaluative, investigative, and analytical research methods designed
to diagnose problems or weaknesses. The goal of it is to create a simple, practical, repeatable
process of iteration learning, evaluation, and improvement that leads to increasingly better
results for schools, companies, businesses, and other work force related fields.
Action Research is an orientation to knowledge that arises in a context of practice and requires
researchers to work with practitioners. Its purpose is not primarily or solely to understand social
arrangements, but also to effect desired change as a path to generating knowledge and
empowering stakeholders.
Action research follows a pattern, or cycle, which always involves planning, then making a
change and then reviewing the situation to generate learning. There are many models of action
research that break these key phases down in to smaller steps. Action research is a type of
inquiry that is practical as it involves making change to practice and theoretical as it is informed
by theory and can generate new insights.

There are four divisions that the action research can be based on. The first division is Business
and Economics, the second division is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics) related, the third division is Language Arts which includes Humanities,
Literature and Languages, Social Studies, Psychology, Psychiatry, and Therapy. The fourth and
last division is Arts and Design which includes Interior design, Architecture, Landscaping, and
Graphic design.

Students are required to fill in an idea template and submit it to the teacher. After her approval, the
student will prepare a short introduction introducing herself and provide an overview of her topic
to be displayed on the website.

After the Action research teacher approves her idea template, the student will prepare a
presentation to present in front of the committee. After the committee grants her approval, the
student will have a few days to write her proposal and submit it. Later, the student will start
working on her research, and then prepare a final presentation, according to the rubric provided,
for her final mark.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 2 of 17

Skills and Standards:

Hard skills and Soft skills include both foundational cognitive skills such as reading for
information, applied mathematics, locating information, problem solving, and critical thinking and
non-cognitive skills, or soft skills, which are defined as personal characteristics and behavioral
skills that enhance an individual’s interactions, job performance, and career prospects such as
adaptability, integrity, cooperation, and workplace discipline.

ü Come to discussions prepared having read and researched material under study; explicitly
draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic
or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.
ü Work with peers to promote civil, democratic discussions and decision-making, set clear
goals and deadlines, and establish individual roles as needed.
ü Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and
evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or
challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.
ü Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence
made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what
additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the
task.
ü Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g.,
visually, quantitatively, orally) in order to make informed decisions and solve problems,
evaluating the credibility and accuracy of each source and noting any discrepancies among
the data.
ü Evaluate a speaker's point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric, assessing
the stance, premises, links among ideas, word choice, points of emphasis, and tone used.
ü Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct
perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing
perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are
appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.
ü Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive
elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence
and to add interest.
ü Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating a command of formal English
when indicated or appropriate.
ü Adjust tone and style according to the audience.
ü Comprehend and act efficiently on instructions, and explain complex issues to the audience.
ü Show a decisive attitude, an unfaltering ability to think clearly, and a capacity to
compartmentalize and set stress aside.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 3 of 17

 ü Take effective and considered action quickly, especially when under pressure.
ü Hold responsibility for the consequences of their decision and can adapt when mistakes are
made.
ü Capable of thinking analytically, and can approach a problem level-headed and reach a
reasonable, achievable, and effective solution.
ü Demonstrate great teamwork and leadership skills that can help inspire others and lead them
to success.
ü Identify areas for research, narrow those topics and adjust research methodology as
necessary, and evaluate and synthesize primary and secondary resources as they develop
and defend their own conclusions.
ü Apply skills and knowledge across the content areas to solve real-world problems; and
ü Model real-world situations and persevere in solving complex and novel problems.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 4 of 17

REQUIREMENTS:

A. CONTENT:

Using the process approach to write the research paper, students will demonstrate their use of
critical thinking and planning skills to explore their chosen topics. The research paper should
meet the following requirements.

1. The paper has to follow the guidelines of an action research.

2. The research question should be in bold-faced type.
3. Each paper must cite a minimum of five different sources that are authoritative and
current. General resources with little credibility are not acceptable, including
technological reference bundles. Students should strive for variety and balance by using
books, journals, online interviews, digital media, and other reliable sources for
information.
4. The research should take a variety of forms; primary and secondary, traditional and non-
traditional. Students may design, administer, and analyze surveys, conduct interviews
with experts, or access online databases as long as they tailor their research to their topic
to ensure a reasonable balance of sources.
5. Students must carefully document all research information that they cite in their papers.
This should include in-text citation and referencing. Hence, students should persistently
access the most recent edition of the APA’s Publication Manual of the American
Psychological Association guidelines for appropriate documentation.
6. Students should understand and respect research ethics and the serious consequences of
plagiarism.
7. The journal must be submitted for review at the end of every month during the academic
year and then submitted with the final draft of the research paper.
8. Rubrics, self-assessment form, teacher grading form, and student checklist should be in
the relevant section of the research paper.

B. STRUCTURE

A quality research paper should include the following parts:

1. Title page
2. Abstract
3. Introduction
a) Objectives
b) Literature Review
4. The Study
a) Methodology

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 5 of 17

 b) Data Collection
c) Data Analysis
d) Outcomes
e) Conclusion
5. References
6. Appendices

C. STYLE:

To follow the specific editorial requirements for the research paper, students should:

1. Use APA style with reference to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological
Association.
2. Type their research papers.
3. Double-space on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") (2.54cm) with 1" margins on all sides.
4. Use Times in New Roman font size 12.
5. Include a page header, running head, at the top of every page.
6. Insert page numbers flush right. All papers should be numbered consecutively.
7. Use all capital letters to type “TITLE OF THE PAPER” in the header flush left.
8. Include the running head which is a shortened version of the paper’s title; it cannot exceed
50 characters including spacing and punctuation.
9. Adhere to recommended word limit (4,000 words)
10. Place headings only at the top pages with the corresponding text on the same page.
11. Use paragraphs to separate each important point (except for the abstract).
12. Indent the first line of each paragraph (except for the abstract).
13. Do not use informal wording and addressing the reader directly; avoid use of jargon,
slang terms, and fluff words.
14. Avoid use of superfluous pictures; include only necessary and relevant figures.

D. PROCEDURE AND SUBMISSION:

Classroom time should be used effectively to plan and write the research paper. Constant
consultancy with the GP teacher/advisor is highly recommended especially before the
submission of the first research paper. Once the research paper is finalized, a soft copy
should be submitted to the GP teacher. Upon returning the corrected version of the first
draft of the research paper, students are granted ten days (including weekend) to submit
their second and final draft of the research. Timing for work on the research paper
depends on the project topic and planning should be done according to what is best for
the project.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 6 of 17

 E. DEADLINES AND LATE SUBMISSION PENALTIES:

The GP teacher sets submission deadlines and notifies students accordingly. Students
should self-manage work to meet deadlines. Late and/or no submission of any of the
requirements (Idea template, Proposal, Research paper, Visuals for Presentations..) will
result in the following penalties:

Past Deadline Penalty

One day (1) After sending an email reminder, the assigned grade will
be reduced by one mark.
Two to four days (2-4) After sending an email reminder, the assigned grade will
be reduced by three marks.
One week Student will sign a formal warning letter. The assigned
grade will be reduced by six points.
Two weeks Student will sign a second formal warning letter. The
research paper will incur a 50% penalty, deductible from
the graded work.
Three weeks The research paper will incur a 75% penalty, deductible
from the graded work.
Four weeks Student will receive a mark of 0% and the research will
be considered “complete”.
Failure to submit work Student will receive a mark of 0% and the research will
be considered “incomplete”.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 7 of 17

 F. Grading:

The Action Research course if out of 100 marks distributed accordingly:

Attendance 5 marks
Students will be graded upon their presence in class. (Rubric as per DAF school policy).

Participation 5 marks
Students will be graded upon their participation in class. In addition, students are encouraged to
participate in group discussions and meetings. (Rubric as per DAF school policy).

Journal 5 marks
The journal is a small notebook or a digital platform that the students use to describe and note
down their experience throughout this graduation project journey. They will design their own
journal with relation to the division they chose for their project, they will log in entries and
explain what happens/happened with them every step of the process. At the end, this journal will
be a physical remembrance of everything the student lived and experienced in this amazing
lifetime journey. (Rubric attached)

Idea Form + Presentation (5 + 10) 15 marks

The idea template is a form that must be completed by each student. It represents the division
they chose, their research question, objectives, and plan.
Regarding the presentation, students must be able to present and discuss their idea to the jury and
gain confirmation from all jury members. (Rubric Attached)

Proposal 10 marks
This paper consists of a detailed description of the problem, objectives and reasons for choosing
this specific problem, its importance and relation to the society. The research methodology and
expected results, a short literature review, and finally a conclusion with recommendations.
(Rubric and guide attached)

Research Paper 40 marks

The research paper will be a finalized detailed research of everything the researcher did to find
the appropriate solution. There will be a title page, abstract, introduction, method, results,
discussion, and references. (Rubric and guide attached.)

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 8 of 17

Presentation 20 marks
Each student will have to present her research at the end of the year in front of a committee that
is experienced in the field of the topic. The student should be presentable and go over every topic
mentioned in her research in a presentable style in front of an audience within a predetermined
time frame. (Rubric attached)

Bonus Points 5 marks

Bonus points are awarded to students who help their classmates when they need help; whether it
is filling an idea template, developing the problem/solution, collecting date, or writing the
proposal or research paper. The student will write the name/s of students who helped her during
this course and in what way. They should submit evidence such as documented emails or
messages or recorded phone calls.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 9 of 17

 G. Journal:

The journal is an integral part of the action research course. It is worth 5 marks and is considered
excellent reference material that offers self-insight and encourages positive thinking. It is used to
keep track of the action research process and journey. Recording relevant information in a journal
can be an effective way of crystalizing knowledge and storing it for future use. The act of reflecting
on progress and recording it might help students consolidate their knowledge and consider what
they might do differently in the future. Students can spend as much time on this activity as they
please; however, it will be valuable if they spend 15 minutes writing a summary after every step.
The journal can be designed according to the student’s preference however she should explain why
it is the way it is. By the end of every month, the student should have at least 4 entries.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 10 of 17

 H. Rubrics:
1. Idea Presentation Rubric
4 3 2 1
Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs Improvement
The research question is The research The research question The research question
very specific and can be question is is not very specific is not specific and
applied into training specific and can and might not be cannot be applied into
material. The objectives be applied into applied into training training material. The
are well organized and training material. material. The objectives are unclear,
are SMART. (Specific, The objectives objectives are unorganized, and not
Research Question Measurable, Attainable, are organized and unclear/unorganized SMART. (Specific,
Relevant, Timed) somehow and somehow Measurable,
SMART. SMART. (Specific, Attainable, Relevant,
(Specific, Measurable, Timed)
Measurable, Attainable, Relevant,
Attainable, Timed)
Relevant, Timed)
The action research idea The action The action research The action research
is very important and research idea is idea is necessary in idea is not very
necessary in the required important and the required field. It is necessary in the
Idea field. Meets nowadays necessary in the researchable to a required field. It is
challenges and is required field. It certain extent and neither researchable
researchable and is researchable somehow realistic. nor realistic.
realistic. and realistic.
Student possesses Student possesses Student doesn't show Student doesn't interest
enthusiasm and great interest in the much interest in the in the topic and
interest in the topic and topic and topic and research research question in
research question in research question question in particular. particular. Student isn't
particular. Student in particular. Student is capable of capable of elaborating
demonstrates excellent Student is answering inquiries on the topic or
Knowledge
explanation and can knowledgeable and explaining but answering any related
easily elaborate and and can explain with hesitation. inquiries.
answer inquiries about well and answer
the topic. any
question/inquiry
about the topic.
Student knows from Student knows Student knows from Student doesn't know
where to get reliable from where to get where to get reliable from where to get
resources and is capable reliable resources resources and is not reliable resources and
Resources of attaining sufficient and is capable of capable of attaining is not capable of
resources on her own. attaining resources on her own. attaining any resources
resources on her on her own.
own.
Idea is presented in a Idea is presented Idea is presented in a Idea is presented in a
very creative and unique in a creative and traditional way. very traditional way.
way. Student uses unique way. Student barely uses Student does not use
persuasion and Student uses any persuasion and any persuasion and
interactive strategies. some persuasion interactive strategies. interactive strategies at
Creativity
(Engaging, vibrant, and interactive (some visual aids) all. (no visual aids)
unique, shows effort...) strategies.
(Engaging,
unique, shows
effort...)

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 11 of 17

 2. Journal Rubric
3 2
Excellent
The journal looks very
interesting and has been
Creativity made with such creativity.
Meticulous attention given
to details.
The Journal includes all
reflections made by the
student throughout the
Documentation project and has personalized
statements and descriptions.
All entries are made twice a
week or more.
The entries made in the
journal are organized and
Content related to the discussed idea
project. They are written in
depth and rigorously.
Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami
Satisfactory
The journal looks interesting
and reflects the effort put into.
Great attention given to
details.
The Journal includes most
reflections made by the
student throughout the project
and has few personalized
statements and descriptions.
Some entries are made on a
weekly basis.
The entries made in the
journal are somewhat
organized and mostly related
to the discussed idea project.
They are well-written but not
meticulously.
1
Needs Improvement
The journal looks like any
other. Nothing special or
creative. Doesn't show any
interest or attention.
The Journal includes very few
reflections made by the student
throughout the project and has
some or no personalized
statements and descriptions.
Entries are made every once in
a while.
The entries made in the journal
are not organized and poorly
related to the discussed idea
project. They are simply and
superficially written.
Page 12 of 17
 3. Proposal Rubric:

4 3 2 1
Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs Improvement

Information
Information gathered
gathered from wide Information
from limited
and balanced variety gathered from a
Information resources that lack
of authoritative and variety of sources,
gathered from an relevance, quality,
current electronic print or electronic.
acceptable range of depth, and balance.
and print sources. Sufficient
sources with No evidence of
Effective synthesis synthesis of ideas
acceptable quality synthesizing ideas
of complex ideas from research
Content resources. from research
from research sources,
Ineffective synthesis sources. Very poor
sources, information information
of ideas from collection and
carefully analyzed carefully analyzed
research sources - analysis of date with
and appropriate and and appropriate
limited evidence little convincing
inventive conclusions based
based conclusions. argument and
conclusions on collected
unachieved intended
supported by strong evidence.
purpose.
evidence.
Information Information
logically and logically Organized with
Information
creatively organized organized through acceptable structure
ineffectively
through effectively developed and organization
structured with very
developed paragraphs with paragraph
little logical sequence
paragraphs. evident structure development present
and under-developed
Contains majority of and connections. but not perfected.
Style and Structure paragraphs. Contains
the items required in Contains most but Contains some of
less than 25% of the
the style not all items listed the items listed in
items listed in style
requirements. in the style the style
requirements. Little
Transitions are requirements. requirements.
or no use of
effectively used to Transitions mostly Transitions are
transitions.
enhance used to support sometimes used.
organization. organization.
Occasional
Numerous Numerous
Free of mechanical mechanical errors
mechanical errors in mechanical errors
errors in grammar, in grammar,
grammar, that interfere with
punctuation, and punctuation, and
punctuation, and writer's ability to
spelling. Exhibits spelling. Exhibits
spelling. Exhibits write in a formal
skillful use of good use of
ineffective use of style. Exhibits
language structures language
Mechanism and language structures severely flawed use
that skillfully and structures that
Grammar that sometimes of language structures
clearly communicate generally convey
impede the meaning that significantly
meaning. Includes meaning to
due to errors. impede meaning.
pertinent effective readers. Includes
Includes weak word Includes very weak
mastery of word some mastery of
choice, limited word choice, little
choice, clarity, and word choice,
clarity, and clarity, and
consistency. clarity, and
inconsistency. inconsistency.
consistency.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 13 of 17

 4 3 2 1
Excellent Good Satisfactory Needs Improvement
Abstract An abstract is An abstract is present, An abstract is present, An abstract is not
present, and includes and includes most of but it is missing key present or it is
all key elements. the key elements that elements. unrelated to the topic
are expected. of the proposal.
Introduction Specific hypotheses Hypothesis or research Specific hypotheses or The introduction is
or research question question is included in research question is missing major
is included in the the research and is included in the research elements and the
research and is directly connected to and is somehow thesis statement is not
directly connected to the background connected to the clear.
the background information. background information.
information. The thesis statement The thesis statement
The thesis statement states the solution. somehow states the
is clear and states solution.
the solution.
Literature The literature review The literature review The literature review is The literature review
Review is very is relatively relatively comprehensive lacks comprehensive
comprehensive and comprehensive and and describes some coverage of relevant
describes relevant describes most relevant material. The material. The purpose
material. The relevant material, purpose of the study is of the study is not
purpose of the study although significant described, but not as clearly described and
is clearly described gaps still exist. The clearly as it might be and there is no connection
and there is an purpose of the study is there is some attempt to between the material
excellent connection adequately described connect the material reviewed and the
between the material and there is a good reviewed with the purpose of the study.
reviewed and the attempt to connect the purpose of the study.
purpose of the study. material reviewed with
the purpose of the
study.
Methods & A methods section is A methods section is A methods section is No methods section is
Implications present, it is written present, and only a present, but numerous included in the
clearly, and the few elements of the elements of the methods proposal or many key
section is missing methods are absent or are absent or described elements of the
none of the key described insufficiently. Some methods are absent.
elements. A broad insufficiently. Some implications are No potential
range of important discussed, but they are implications
implications are implications are not strongly connected of the proposed study
discussed discussed, which are to are discussed.
that connect directly connected to the the proposed study.
to the proposed study.
proposed study.

Importance The proposed study The proposed study is The proposed study is The proposed study
and is very important important and there is relatively important and does not tackle an
innovation and nicely builds on a good attempt to build there is an attempt to important issue and
existing research. on existing research. build on existing there is no attempt to
The proposed study There are a number of research. There are only build on previous
is extremely innovative elements in a small number of research. There are no
innovative. the proposed study. innovative elements in innovative elements in
the proposed study. the proposed study.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 15 of 17

 Organization The organization of The research is The research is The research is much
the research is relatively organized. somewhat disorganized. disorganized. Certain
excellent. All All sections of the All sections of the sections of the
sections of the research are present research are present research are missing
research are present and they are presented although there are small or in the wrong order.
and the flow of the in the right order. The problems with The writing does not
writing is excellent writing flows organization of the flow logically either
across sections and relatively well across sections. The writing across sections or
within sections. sections and within does not flow logically within sections.
sections either across sections or
within sections.
Accuracy, All facts presented Almost all facts Most facts presented in Many factual errors
Clarity, and in the research are presented in the the research are accurate exist within the
Conciseness accurate and related research are accurate and related to citations is research and/or related
to citations is also and related to citations discussed in a to citations is
discussed accurately. is generally discussed reasonably accurate discussed
The research is accurately. The fashion, but some issues inaccurately. The
clearly written and proposal is written still remain. The research is not clearly
very easy to with reasonable clarity research has problems written in that it is
understand. The although there are still with clarity in that there difficult to understand
research is small portions of the are portions of the much of it. The
appropriately proposal that are research that are difficult writing is not concise
concise and always difficult to understand. to understand. The (overly convoluted
relevant. The writing is writing is reasonably and wordy) and much
generally concise and concise and relevant of the research is
relevant. although information irrelevant.
could sometimes have
been presented in a less
complex way.
Grammar, No grammar, Grammar, There are some There are a lot of
punctuation, punctuation, or punctuation, and grammar, punctuation, grammar, punctuation,
spelling spelling errors. spelling are mostly and spelling errors. and spelling errors.
correct.
Formatting The research is The research is Some effort was put into Little or no attempt
(APA Style) perfectly formatted formatted reasonably formatting the research was made to format
according to APA well according to APA according to APA the research according
formatting formatting guidelines. formatting guidelines. to APA formatting
guidelines. The research contains Some of the formatting guidelines.
very few formatting elements are present,
errors. although a number of
elements are missing or
problematic.
References Referencing is A good attempt has An attempt has been Major problems exist
excellent. Citations been made to deal with made to deal with with references. No
are cited with regard references in the references in the citations mentioned.
to the APA research. Most research Some citations
formatting style. citations are cited with are
regard to the APA missing and do not
formatting style with follow the APA format.
very minimal errors
noticed.

Action Research Guide Prepared by Lama AlShami Page 16 of 17