A Practical Guide to Action Research for Literacy Educators

Create an Action Plan
Example: Create an Action Plan
Instructional Problem: Students do not spend enough time reading independently.
Possible Change: Set aside some time each day for reading practice with high-interest books.
Research Question: "If I change my instruction to provide successful reading practice, will students be
more confident in trying to read independently?
Anticipate Obstacles: What could interfere with your plan? What will you do to avoid the obstacles?
Checklist for the Action Plan
Q1: ____ Is the research question focused enough to be “do-able”? Is it something that can be
actually controlled by a researcher, a team of researchers, or the administrator? If not,
can it be made simpler, with specific, measurable outcomes which are possible under
your teaching/learning contexts?
Q2: ____ Does the plan seem to address the identified problem in a practical way? If not, what
practical steps can be taken?
Q3: ____ Are anticipated obstacles identified and addressed? Are the ways to overcome these
obstacles practical and do-able? If not, what can be done?
Q4: ____ Are data gathering procedures sufficient to give evidence of whether the plan works or
not?
Q5: ____ Is the time line realistic? If not, make suggestions.
Q6: ____ Are there any other concerns?
(Hollingsworth, 2001-2005)
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