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Chapter 6 Phase Two
scale change in practice in order to enhance resident autonomy. The first step in
AR is about diagnosing, identifying and defining a problem. The second step is
action planning or considering alternative courses of action for solving a
problem. The third step is action taking or selecting a course of action. The
fourth step is evaluating or studying the consequences of the action and the fifth
step is specifying the learning and identifying general learning and making it
public. Thus the AR approach would enable a change to be designed, planned,
implemented and evaluated in a real world setting (Cohen and Manion, 1994).
Excerpts from the researchers reflective journal are included in this chapter, these
excerpts are fundamental to understanding the action research phase of this study
and to “specifying the learning” (McNiff and Whitehead, 2009). Reflection “lies
at the core of action research” (Somekh, 1995, pp,347) and Elliot (1991) suggests
that the process of reflection is representative of the action research process.
Kemmis (1985) explains that as we look inward at our thoughts and processes
and outward at the situation we find ourselves in, our reflection orientates us for
further thought and action. The spiral of action research follows a process of
action, observation and reflection to achieve greater understanding, followed by
further action and reflection (Bryant, 1996). Reflection excerpt no.1 describes the
decisions made in relation to writing up this phase of the research.