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4. Classroom Action Research
The researcher would discuss the definition, the characteristic, the advantages and the model of classroom action research.
a. The Definition of Classroom Action Research
There are some experts that give the definition of Classroom Action Research. Elliot 1991: 69 as cited by Hopkins 2008 Classroom Action
Research is the study of a social situation which is aimed to improve the quality of action within it. Ferrance supports
Elliot’s theory by stating that Action Research
is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice by using the techniques of study.
Kemmis 1983, as cited in Hopkins 2008 states that an action research aims to improve a teachers
’ social and educational practices, b teachers
understanding of the practices, and c teachers understanding of the real situation in which the action is carried out. Moreover, Wallace 1998 says that action
research aims to develop professionals’ performances. Therefore, classroom
action research aims to improve educational practices in the specific participants and situation. The improvement is as the result of classroom action research.
b. The Characteristics of Action Research
Burns 1999 presents some characteristics of action research. First, action research is conducted in small scale of participants. It identifies and investigates
problems within a specific situation. Second, action research gives change and improvement in practice. Third, action research provides an investigation that is
19 done by teams, practitioners and researchers. Fourth, the changes in action
research are based on the data and information obtained. From the explanation, it can be concluded that action research is done systematically in particular
participants which aims to solve the problem based on the data obtained.
c. The Advantages of Action Research
Fraenkel and Wallen 2008 state that there are five advantages of action research. First, action research can be done by any professional in any type of
school, at any grade. It aimed to solve any kind of problem in specific area. Second, action research improves practice in educational field. Therefore, teachers
or other education professionals can improve their competent in educational practice. Third, teachers or other education professionals can practice their design
in effective ways. It leads them to be able to modify and enrich their strategies and techniques. Fourth, action research helps teachers or other education professional
identify problems so they can find ways to solve those problems. Fifth, action research help teachers or other education professionals share what they had
learned through their own action research. It leads teachers or other education professionals to reduce the isolation feeling that they experience in the daily tasks
within the school. Those advantages show that action research is important to be conducted
in the educational field. Therefore, the problems of the educational field; the problem in a certain school or class can be solved. Besides, there will be
competence improvement in both the practitioners and the participants.
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d. The Model of Classroom Action Research
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