Elements of Action Research

Elements - Adequate Preparation

A. Background from Multiple Perspectives
The following prompts can help you gather background information to help you sufficiently explain your preparation for this project. Answer the questions that are relevant to your project as a way to focus your ideas.

  1. Student Perspective

    • What do my students say about the situationI've identified in my research question?
    • What evidence do I have from students that has informed this project?
    • Do they confirm or fail to support my assumption about what I think is going on in the classroom?
    • What strategies will I use to collect student opinions?

  2. Colleague Perspective

    • What do my peers think about the problem/situation/success I've identified in my research question? Do they confirm or fail to support my assumption about what I think is going on in the classroom?
    • Do they experience similar things in their practices?
    • Do they perceive my research question as a worthwhile item for investigation?
    • How can I get this information from them?

  3. Expert Perspective

    • What do experts in the field say? Do they confirm or fail to support my assumption about what I think is going on in the classroom?
    • What does a review of relevant literature reveal?
    • Is there professional literature or scholarly writing related to my question?
    • What kind of research can I do to assist me with my question?
    • Is the literature consistent with my ideas and assumptions?
    • Include References at the end of this section

  4. Self Perspective

    • What does my own personal experience tell me?
    • Does it confirm or fail to support my assumption about what I think is going on in the classroom?
    • Why have I identified the question above?
    • What personal experiences inform me that this is a worthwhile question?
    • What makes this question important to me?