Stringer's description of Action Research (AR)

Full Answer Section

  Action Research Process: Inspired by Stringer's cyclical model of Action Research (AR), I embarked on a process of reflection, planning, action, and evaluation.

• Reflection: I began by critically examining my teaching methods. Were my discussion prompts too broad or unclear? Was the classroom atmosphere intimidating for some students?
• Planning: Based on my reflection, I developed new strategies. I incorporated smaller group discussions, allowing quieter students to feel more comfortable sharing ideas. I also adopted "think-pair-share" techniques, encouraging students to formulate their thoughts before voicing them publicly.
• Action: I implemented the new strategies over a two-week period. Additionally, I created a "safe space" corner in the classroom where students could anonymously submit discussion questions or comments.
• Evaluation: After two weeks, I observed a noticeable improvement in participation. Students were more engaged in small group discussions, and the anonymous submissions revealed thoughtful questions and insights.

Stakeholders and Support:

• Students: They were the key stakeholders in this process. Their initial silence prompted my reflection and ultimately led to the implementation of new strategies. Their increased participation in the revised format served as a positive indicator of success.
• Colleagues: I shared my experiences and challenges with other English teachers. Their suggestions for icebreaker activities and alternative discussion prompts proved valuable additions to my revised approach.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Action Research (AR): Strengths:

• Empowerment: AR empowers educators to become reflective practitioners, continually seeking improvement in their practice.
• Context-Specificity: AR allows for tailoring solutions to specific classroom needs and student populations, fostering a more effective learning environment.
• Collaboration: The process encourages collaboration with colleagues, leading to a wider pool of ideas and a more supportive teaching community.

Weaknesses:

• Limited Scope: AR findings typically apply to the specific context in which they were conducted. Generalizability to other classrooms might be limited.
• Time Commitment: The cyclical nature of AR demands dedicated time for reflection, planning, and evaluation, which can be challenging for busy teachers.
• Subjectivity: Evaluation in AR often relies on qualitative data and teacher observations, which can be subjective and open to interpretation.

Conclusion: My experience using AR demonstrates its potential to improve teaching practices. By engaging in a cycle of reflection, action, and evaluation, I was able to create a more engaging learning environment for my students. While limitations exist, AR's strengths outweigh its weaknesses, offering a valuable framework for educators seeking to continuously improve their craft.      

Sample Answer

     

Revolutionizing Classroom Discussions: An Action Research Journey

The Situation:

As a high school English teacher, I noticed a persistent issue in my classroom discussions. While some students actively participated, many remained silent, hesitant to voice their opinions or engage in critical analysis of the literature. This lack of participation created a shallow learning experience, hindering critical thinking and comprehension skills. My goal was to increase student participation in class discussions, fostering a more vibrant and engaging learning environment.