An article on action research

THE ROLE OF ACTION RESEARCH IN ELEMENTARY EDUCATION
....P.SRINIVASAN, Lecturer, Dept. of Education, Tamil University, Tanjore

1. Introduction
A good professional is always a good researcher. Profession by nature is developmental. Teaching is a profession. So, a good teacher has to be a good researcher. In order to grow in his profession a teacher has to search the truth. Teaching and research go hand in hand.
“Educational Research is that activity which is directed towards development of science of behaviour in educational situations. The ultimate aim of such a science is to provide knowledge that will permit the educator to achieve his goals by the most effective method”
- J.W. Best

2. Types of Researches
Research means search of knowledge. Basically there are three types of researches one can pursue of. They are Basic, Applied and Action Research.

2.1 Basic Research
Basic Research is that where fundamental search is done in a body of knowledge. Its purpose is to find solution to the fundamental problems, major issues and universal theories. It is also called Pure Research. This is done by the experts. The results of the basic research may not be immediately applied to a situation.

2.2 Applied Research
Applied Research is that where we are applying the fundamental laws to solve problems. Applied research tests the theories which came from basic research for its validity. It is also called Field Research. Most of the educational researches are of this type. Like basic research, this is also done by the experts.

2.3 Action Research
Action Research focuses on the immediate application of the hypothesis. Unlike the other two researches, this researcher of this type of research may or may not be expert in his field. In education, along with professional researches, teachers and administrators can also do action research. The results of this research are not generalized.

3. Versatility of Action Research
As it flows from the characteristics of action research, it does not require
 High level tools
 Expert to do the research
 Well stated hypothesis
 Sophisticated statistical techniques
 Well equipped laboratory
 Generalization of findings
 Complex procedures for analyzing the data

From the above points, it can be said that the action research is an easy and effective tool in the hands of teachers. It can be used to solve their day to day problems like
 Effectiveness of a particular method
 Moral Education
 Curriculum
 Competence based problems
 Preparation of TLM
 Use of support materials
 Multi Grade Teaching
 Communication Skills


4. Definition of Action Research
1. “Action Research refers to the process by which practitioners attempt to study their problems scientifically in order to evaluate and correct their decisions”
- Stephen M Corey
2. “It is a problem solving approach which helps a practitioner to perceive, understand and assess the situation, and it further facilitates a systematic analysis and working out plausible solutions for the unsatisfactory condition. With this different alternative solutions can be tried out with which the problem can be solved satisfactorily”
3. “It is a critical collaborative inquiry by reflective practitioners being accountable and making results of their inquiry public, self evaluating their practice and engaged in a continuous professional development”

6. Steps in the Action Research





1. Perception of the problem / dissatisfied state
2. Analysis of the problem / dissatisfied state
3. Understanding the dynamics
4. Development of propositions
5. Prioritizing proposition
6. Development of Action Hypothesis
7. Planning for Intervention
8. Execution of Intervention
9. Evaluation of Intervention
10. Decision (Reflection, Explanation and Understanding of Action).

7. Process in Action Research
7.1 Identification
The researcher has to have a clear picture of the problem in his work. He has to recognize and pinpoint the problem.

7.2 Planning
Planning gives direction to the action research. It enables advance preparations. It minimizes ad-hoc decisions and wastage.

7.3 Action Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a tentative assumption, which guides the researcher to investigate the problem under situation. The researcher has to formulate a tentative supposition for the problem under investigation.


7.4 Tools
Following tools can be used in action research
• Achievement test
• Diagnostic test
• Psychological tests
• Questionnaires
• Interview schedules
• Checklists

7.5 Techniques
Following techniques can be used in action research
• Interview
• Video Recording
• Observation
• Tape recorder

7.6 Testing the Action Hypothesis
Execution of the intervention as planned. During the execution, note down and record all intended processes.

7.7 Analysis of data
The collected data is subjected to data analysis. Descriptive measures are apt for action researches and no inferential statistics.

7.8 Graphical Presentation
The data may be graphically presented. Examples of graphical presentation are
• Bar diagram
• Histogram
• Polygon
• Pie diagram


7.9 Analysis Interpretation and Decision Making
Analysis means categorizing, ordering, manipulating and reading meaning to facilitate discussion and interpretation. At the interpretation stage, pertinent inferences in the context of the action hypothesis are drawn. This leads to decision making.

8. Uses of Action Research
Action Research is useful because
 It improves one’s own professional skills
 Improves the learning environment
 Enhances the quality and / or quantity of desired results
 Solves an immediate problem
 Provides local-specific solutions
 Facilitates overall effectiveness of practice of a profession

9. Action Research as Professional Development for Teachers

By doing action research increases the professional skill of teachers. Teaching is a profession not a job. The nature of profession is given below
 A unique definite and essential social service
 Emphasis upon intellectual techniques in performing its service
 A long period of specialized training
 A broad range of autonomy for both individual practitioners and the
group
 A profession is meant to be practiced
 An acceptance by the practitioners of broad personal responsibility for
judgments made and acts performed within the scope of professional
autonomy
 An emphasis upon service to be rendered, rather than economic gain
 A comprehensive self governing organization of practitioners
 Follows a code of ethics
 Professional obligation and professional prerogatives are like two faces
of the same coin

10. Conclusion
Teaching is a reflective practice. If teaching is a reflective practice then surely action research should be a part of it. Since action research is simple, easy but effective method in investigating and finding solutions to day to day problems of practicing teachers, a teacher can profitably use this, there by increasing the professionalism in them which contributes for a quality elementary education.

References:-
Best, J.W. and Khan J.V., (1996), Research in Education ( 7th ed.), New Delhi; Prentice Hall of India
Action Research Monograph, (July 2001), DIET Manjur, Ramanathapurm District, Tamilnadu.
C.G.V. Murthy, (2002), Action Research Monograph, RIE, Mysore.