Module: Action Research

Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title	Action Research
Module Code	SG500 (ITS) / EDU1124 (Banner)
Faculty	DCU Institute of Education	School	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies
Module Co-ordinator	Margaret Farren
Module Teachers	Yvonne Crotty
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5
Pre-requisite	Not Available
Co-requisite	Not Available
Compatibles	Not Available
Incompatibles	Not Available

Coursework Only

Description

Action research refers to research that uses a cyclical, action‐reflection model to investigate and attempt to make change in an organisation (Noffke & Somekh, 2009). In an action research approach it is expected that there will be cycles of action/reflection, where insights from the reflection on action will produce further rounds of actions. We work with the following action research process. • We review our current practice; • Identify an issue we wish to investigate; • ask focused questions about how we can investigate it; • Imagine a way forwards; • try it out, and take stock of what happens; • modify our plan in light of what we have found, and continue with the action; • evaluate the modified action; • and reconsider what we are doing in light of the evaluation. This can then lead to • a new action-reflection cycle….. (McNiff, 2013. p. 90). In this module, you will learn how to conduct an action research enquiry. You will critically engage with previous research and learn to use appropriate data collection techniques. You will present and discuss your research with lecturers and peers.

Learning Outcomes

1. ability to systematically reflect on practice
2. articulate own educational values
3. Identify a concern/issue to investigate and ask relevant research questions
4. understand how to plan, act and evaluate actions.
5. critically engage with research
6. Present and discuss research. Act on feedback.

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full-time hours per semester
Total Workload: 0

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Reflective practice
Critically reflect on practice

Action Reflection cycles
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the cycles of plan, act, observe, reflect

Literature
Critically engage with research literature.

Data Collection
Understanding of data collection methods.

Educational research
Discuss the process and outcome of educational research

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment	100%	Examination Weight	0%

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Course Work Breakdown
Digital Project	n/a	100%	Week 12

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories: Resit category 1: A resit is available for both* components of the module. Resit category 2: No resit is available for a 100% continuous assessment module. Resit category 3: No resit is available for the continuous assessment component where there is a continuous assessment and examination element.
* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a Continuous Assessment/Examination split; where the module is 100% continuous assessment, there will also be a resit of the assessment
This module is category 1

Indicative Reading List

Dewey, J.: 1910, How We Think, 1st, D C Heath, Boston,
McNiff, J. & Whitehead, J.: 2012, All you need to know about action research, SAGE, Los Angeles,
McNiff: 2013, Action Research: Principles and practice., Routledge, London,
McNiff, J.: 2014, Writing and Doing Action Research, SAGE, Los Angeles,
Schön D.: 1983, The Reflective Practitioner, Basic Books, New York,
Schön D: 0, Educating the Reflective Practitioner, Jossey-Bass, New York,
Zubber-Skerritt, O.: 0, Action learning and action research: genres and approaches, Emerald, UK,
Carr, W. & Kemmis, S.: 0, Becoming critical : education, knowledge, and action research, Falmer Press, London,

Other Resources

None