Module: Action Research

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Action Research
Module Code	EDU1124 (ITS: SG500)
Faculty	STEM Ed, Innov, Global Studies	School	DCU Institute of Education
NFQ level	9	Credit Rating	5

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.

Total Workload: 0

Section Breakdown
CRN	10568	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	0%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	Y
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Margaret Farren	Module Teacher	Yvonne Crotty

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

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

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

Indicative Reading List

Books:

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,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None