- Topic/Readings/Activities
- Introductions (then on WordPress)
- Syllabus/Course Goals
- Become familiar with WordPress
- Brainstorm choosing a topic
- Assignments (due before next class)
- Read 100Qs: Parts 1-3
- Collect two articles on your topic
- Blog post: What were your main takeaways from the reading?
What are your main takeaways from the readings?
After reading the first three parts of this textbook, my biggest takeaway is that action research is for most anyone within their prospective fields, from teachers to doctors, to better address problems and issues found in the capacity of their work and find creative solutions that they can share with others to better their community and the people they work with and for, thus empowering them to generate real, positive change. It’s similar to traditional research in that it requires research but is less formal in nature and more dynamic; meant to impact smaller populations. Action Research is also very fluid and can be applied in a variety of fields but cation must be taken on part of the practitioners conducting it; ensuring that we are mindful of whom this research will impact, what the intended outcome is, how it will benefit the work we do and the people we do it for, and that we are empathetic and socially aware of the vulnerable populations the research may impact and gain informed consent. This is especially true for us educators, as we work with young students from diverse population who will be directly impacted by the work we do with them. That being said, action research serves as a good way for us to determine what teaching methods and policies are working for them, which ones can use improvement, and how we can address any future issues that come up in our educational system so as to enhance our students’ learning experience to its’ fullest potential.
My take away from part one is that action research is a practical, cyclical way for people to systematically study their own work in order to make meaningful, context-specific change. It puts the power of inquiry and decision-making in the hands of those closest to the problem, values reflection and flexibility over universal “truths,” and blends action with critical thinking so improvements are purposeful, ethical, and grounded in real-world practice.
Part 2 focuses on understanding your context, assumptions, and conceptual frameworks so your questions are meaningful, grounded in practice, and shaped by the realities of your setting.
Part 3 builds on this by highlighting the ethical and social justice responsibilities of action
researchers, stressing respect for participants, informed consent, reflexivity, and attention to power dynamics. Together, these sections show that action research is not just about improving practice, but about doing so responsibly, equitably, and with a clear understanding of how context, identity, and ethics shape the work.
These are a few of my takeaways from the assigned reading.
I really like how functional and resourceful this text is. I was able to understand how to utilize action research in the classroom. Take something that is meaningful to me and make changes to benefit my students. Or at least attempt to make changes to benefit their learning. Seeing what change I’d like to see and make modifications or take a new approach to the subject area I’m wanting to see student progress in. I also like how as I read this text the questions that are benign answers are presented in a way that is functional and like a blueprint for me to begin my own action research project. Each question is broken down in a realistic manner that is realistic and easy to understand. As I read these first few sections I was able to associate my potential action research project idea with the questions in the book.
From parts 1-3 of this textbook, my main takeaway is the practicality and the purposeful approach of this form of research, especially from a teacher’s perspective. I did an action research project during my undergrad, and I found the process to truly make me, as an educator, more insightful and more intentional with my questionings.
Specifically from the reading, I appreciated how it said that action research puts you in the research. You are able to choose a question that is centered around yourself and has a personal connection. I also appreciated how it talks about action research as cyclical. I truly believe that we are all life long learners, and action research can be forever ongoing and altered.
I also took great note about part three and the social justice in action research. I think that it is powerful, and I appreciate the talk about respecting your “test subjects” and being aware of the impacts as you are also being purposeful.
The quote that stuck out to me while reading part one was, “action research encompasses a philosophy of work and learning, while also providing us with critical know-how to better our lives and our work, and also better the lives of those we work with and for.” (2). I really like this lens of action research as using it as a way to better one’s environment and place of work.
Overall, my main take away is that action research is a meaningful process that can help educators reflect on their practice and improve the learning experiences for students.
My main takeaways from the reading were as follows:
1. Action Research is focused on a local population that involves the researcher
2. The variability in data collected for action research is one of its weaknesses
3. Respect, Beneficence, and Justice are prioritized in action research.
I also took away the message that revision, data collection, and review are critical to action research. Interesting read overall!