A Practical Guide to Action Research for Literacy Educators

The Action Research Process
Sandra Hollingsworth (1997) began her review of
international Action Research projects with this
statement:
If there is one single pattern that emerges from
these chapters, it is that the forms, purposes,
methods and results of Action Research around
the world differ widely.
(Hollingsworth et al., 1997, p.312)
Stephen Kemmis developed a simple model of the
cyclical nature of the Action Research process, a cycle
that has four steps: plan, act, observe, and reflect. The
central question is "How can I help my students
improve the quality of their learning?" This can be
broken down into these specific questions:
1. What is my concern in my practice?
2. What am I going to do about it?
3. What evidence will let me make a judgment
about what I did?
4. How will I validate any claims about what I
have done?
(Kemmis, 1981)
Gerald Susman (1983) developed a somewhat more
elaborate model by distinguishing five phases to be
conducted within each research cycle. Initially, a
problem is identified and data are collected for a
more detailed diagnosis. This is followed by posing
several possible solutions, from which a single plan
of action emerges and is implemented. Data on the
results of the intervention are collected and analyzed,
and the findings are interpreted to determine how
successful the action has been. Then the problem is
re-assessed and another Action Research cycle
begins. This process continues until the problem is
resolved.
(Adapted from O’Brien, R.;
www.web.net/robrien/papers/arfinal.html)
The process described in this handbook is based on
the ideas of these previous researchers. The process
of Action Research begins with a concern or interest
from one’s own professional context. This concern
leads to gathering information and knowledge about
the concern. Based on existing and new information
and knowledge, a researchable plan is devised and
implemented within one’s own professional context.
Data on the implemented plan are then collected and
analyzed. The findings of the Action Research are
shared with colleagues, administrators, and other
stakeholders. In an ongoing process, Action
Researchers continue to observe, reflect, and plan.
Although different researchers may describe these
steps of Action Research in slightly different ways,
the steps explained in this handbook are:
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Identify a problem and pose a question.
Create an action plan.
Enact the plan.
Study the plan in action (collect and analyze
data).
Report results and get feedback.
Modify the plan.
Try it again; study it again.
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