Practitioner Researcher - EDU00095M

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Module summary

In this module you will explore the potential of Action Research as a professional tool to understand and develop or change your own professional practice.

Module will run

Occurrence	Teaching period
A	Semester 1 2025-26

Module aims

In this module you will explore the potential of Action Research as a professional tool to understand and develop or change your own professional practice.

Through this, you will further enhance your skills in integrating sources of evidence pertinent to the Action Research model of enquiry, including literature, narrative reflection on practice and primary data. 

Module learning outcomes

• Evaluate Action Research methodology and its potential to enhance your own practice and to influence change in your specific educational setting
• Plan and justify an Action Research proposal situated within relevant research literature
• Able to critically analyse and communicate a theoretical framework (Action Research), reflexive narrative and research findings
• Critically analyse data and integrate with other sources of evidence, including research literature
• Present well-evidenced educational arguments.

Module content

 

This module provides you with a range of opportunities to reflect upon Action Research as a potential approach to investigate issues and change within your own professional setting.  The content is structured so that it incrementally builds up your knowledge and skills. You will engage with a range of learning activities via the VLE and attend three Saturday workshops.  The key strands of the module are as follows: Action Research Methodology; Why Action Research is frequently undertaken in educational settings; Reflection on Action Research as an agent of change within schools.  

 

Indicative content of the three Saturdays:

Saturday 1

Introduction to Action Research methodology

Introduction to the formative assessment (including producing academic posters) and the summative assessment

 

Saturday 2

Ethics and Action Research

Action Research and CPD

Action Research as an agent of change within school

Support for formative and summative assessment

 

Saturday 3

Poster presentations and feedback on Action Research proposals

Support for Summative assessment

 

 

 

 

Indicative assessment

None

Special assessment rules

None

Indicative reassessment

None

Module feedback

You will receive feedback in a range of ways throughout this module.  This will include oral feedback in class, responses to posts on the VLE discussion board and Wiki, and written comments on your work.  You will have the chance to obtain feedback on your writing during the module.

Written feedback on assignment report sheet will be delivered in line with departmental policy and face-to-face feedback in supervision sessions.

Indicative reading

Baumfield, V., Hall, E. and Wall, K. (2012). Action Research in Education (2^nd ed.). London: Sage

Koshy, V. (2010). Action Research for Improving Educational Practice, A Step by Step Guide (2^nd ed.).  London: Sage

McAteer, M. (2013).  Action Research in Education (2^nd ed.). London: Sage

Mertler, C. (2014). Action Research:  Improving School and Empowering Educators. London: Sage

Stringer, E. (2014). Action Research (4^th ed.). London: Sage