Identify the significant themes that have emerged from your read-
Action Research for Improving Practice
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Designing the method
Claire decided to carry out an action research project which allowed her the flexibility to refine her activities as a result of evaluation and reflection at
each stage of her work. With a complex topic involving several strands to the exploration, the issue of flexibility was reassuring to her. Reading and
analysing the literature also informed her about possible ways of collecting data. For example, she knew that she needed to establish a baseline so that
comparisons of pre- and post-intervention results could be made.
Writing a literature review
Claire made systematic notes on the key issues discussed in the books and papers she read. She developed the themes she had identified within the liter-
ature and made critical comments on different issues. This process not only helped her to feel more well-informed about the topic of her study, but she
also felt more prepared for writing up her final report at the end of the project.
After the first step of making a start with action research described in Chapter 2, this chapter has led you through the process of searching for
relevant literature. Guidance has been given on how to structure the search and organise the literature. Three kinds of literature were
specified relating to policy, theory and related research publications. It was also proposed that the fledgling researcher take note of research
methods used by other researchers and critically appraise their findings. In this chapter I have attempted to suggest ways in which the
action researcher can ease the path through the literature maze.
SUMMARY
KEY POINTS
This chapter takes you through the planning stage by focusing on: listing the stages of an action research project;
making use of tutorials; using exemplar case studies for guidance.
INTRODUCTION
The previous two chapters of this book focused on various kinds of preparation an action researcher makes before implementing action. You
are now at the stage of having selected a topic and reflected on different aspects of that topic. You have undertaken a literature search and have
done some reading which has enriched your understanding of different issues relating to the topic. As a result of your reading and further think-
ing, you may have changed or fine-tuned your topic of investigation. Now it is time for action. In this chapter, I will address many of the prac-
tical issues of carrying out action research, drawing on some personal experiences of supervising practitioner-researchers in different settings.
Carrying out action research is a rewarding experience. But a good action research project does not happen by accident; it needs careful