Action Research

Participants in this subject are expected to study independently under supervision, developing an action research proposal to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within their own classroom or educational setting. The students then implement appropriate research methods, analyse the findings, reflect upon the findings in relation to their own role, and write up the study up as a dissertation that concludes with practical recommendations for improved Christian pedagogy.

Awards offering Action Research

This unit is offered as a part of the following awards:

• Master of Teaching (Primary)
• Master of Teaching (Secondary)

Unit Content

Curriculum Objective

Participants in this subject are expected to study independently under supervision, developing an action research proposal to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within their own classroom or educational setting. The students then implement appropriate research methods, analyse the findings, reflect upon the findings in relation to their own role, and write up the study up as a dissertation that concludes with practical recommendations for improved Christian pedagogy. The ideas emerging from the research are expected to directly contribute to the further development of the participants’ skills as a Christian educator.

Outcomes

1. Develop an action research proposal that meets the requisite ethical standards of working with children and provides an integrated Christian worldview;
2. Exhibit a critically reflective understanding of literature within the field of the selected research topic;
3. Identify in detail the appropriate action research method to address the question;
4. Produce a clearly expressed, well-structured and well-argued action research project which demonstrates a sound Christian pedagogy and meets the requisite ethical standards of working with children. 

Subject Content

1. Research methods: paradigms, literature search skills, data collection, data analysis, statistics, findings, validity and reliability, action research methods and exemplars from education scholarship.
2. Research question; literature review, conceptual framework, rationale for selection of appropriate methodology, ethics application.
3. Issues of reflexivity in relation to inter alia- the role of the researcher in relation to subjectivity and bias in the data collected, and the role of the teacher as educational researcher in relation to the selection of the research methodology and the recommendations made. 
4. Implementation of research methods, with due consideration for validity, reliability and transferability. 
5. Data analysis and interpretation of findings and presentation in written document which is accurately referenced. 
6. Practical recommendations from the findings and application of research to teaching practice in the course of the award.  Evaluation of the effectiveness of the previously implemented strategies.

This course may be offered in the following formats

• Face-to-Face (onsite)
• Distance/E-Learning (online)
• Intensive

Please consult your course prospectus or enquire about how and when this course will be offered next at Alphacrucis University College.

Assessment Methods

• Research Proposal (40%)
• Action Research Project (60%)