What is Action Research?
2026-2027 Action Research Applications are open! Applications are due by 3pm October 13.
Action research involves a systematic process of examining the evidence. The results of this type of research are practical, relevant, and can inform theory. Action research is different than other forms of research as there is less concern for universality of findings, and more value is placed on the relevance of the findings to the researcher and the local collaborators.
Action research is often practiced by teachers who remain in the middle of the research process. They are looking for ways to improve the specific situation for their students. Statistics may be collected but they are not the point of the research.
Teacher Action Research is carried out by educators, not outside researchers or evaluators and is focused on improving teaching and learning, but also social and environmental factors that affect the nature and success of teaching and learning. It is formative, not summative--an on-going process of evaluation, recommendation, practice, reflection, and reevaluation; and is change-oriented, and undertaken with the assumption that change is needed in a given context.
Action research involves a systematic process of examining the evidence. The results of this type of research are practical, relevant, and can inform theory. Action research is different than other forms of research as there is less concern for universality of findings, and more value is placed on the relevance of the findings to the researcher and the local collaborators.
Action research is often practiced by teachers who remain in the middle of the research process. They are looking for ways to improve the specific situation for their students. Statistics may be collected but they are not the point of the research.
Teacher Action Research is carried out by educators, not outside researchers or evaluators and is focused on improving teaching and learning, but also social and environmental factors that affect the nature and success of teaching and learning. It is formative, not summative--an on-going process of evaluation, recommendation, practice, reflection, and reevaluation; and is change-oriented, and undertaken with the assumption that change is needed in a given context.
Local Action Research Projects (2024-2025)
