Action Research in Education: A Practical Guide
This revised and updated edition serves as both a professional development tool and comprehensive textbook for preservice and inservice educators conducting classroom and school-based research studies. The guide provides step-by-step instruction for improving instructional practices through systematic inquiry and evidence-based approaches.
Comprehensive Research Methodology Coverage
Organized to mirror the complete action research cycle, this resource offers balanced coverage of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. The content is structured to guide educators through developing research questions, designing data collection strategies, creating and evaluating assessment tools, and interpreting and implementing study results. Each research approach is presented with clear explanations of how methodology connects directly to the research question being investigated.
Expanded Collaborative and Participatory Research
This edition features in-depth coverage of collaborative action research (CAR) and participatory action research (PAR), enabling groups of teachers to work together addressing classroom and school-level challenges. Examples throughout the book demonstrate these collaborative approaches in real educational settings across PreK-12 grade levels and various subject areas.
Practical Applications and Examples
Vivid vignettes illustrate research approaches for diverse teaching and learning situations. The book includes sample templates for developing research instruments, example boxes showing components of action research reports, and summary tables highlighting key aspects of different research strategies. These practical tools help busy educators implement research projects while managing their teaching responsibilities.
Updated Content and Pedagogical Features
New discussions cover critical topics including reliability and validity assessment, distinguishing between analysis and interpretation, and using sequential research cycles for continuous improvement. Each chapter contains individual and group exercises, updated checklists for self-assessing research progress and quality, and concise chapter summaries with suggestions for further reading. All references and resources have been fully updated to reflect current research standards and practices.
About the Authors
Sara Efrat Efron, EdD, is Professor of Education and Director of the Doctoral Program in Curriculum, Advocacy, and Policy at National Louis University. Her research focuses on teacher research, mentoring, and moral and democratic education.
Ruth Ravid, PhD, is Professor Emerita of Education at National Louis University, specializing in educational research, action research, assessment, and school-university collaboration.
