Action research is a form of applied research that aims to address issues and solve problems in a specific context. It differs from traditional research in that it involves active participation and reflection. Action research is typically done by practitioners on their own practice or workplace rather than by academic researchers on subjects. The goal is to gain a better understanding of a real-world problem and identify practical solutions that are relevant to the local context. Writing an action research paper allows you to report and reflect on your findings from an action research project. Here are some examples and key elements to include when writing an action research paper:
Introduction
Introduce the topic or issue you aimed to address through your action research project. Provide some background context on why this issue is important and requires action.
State the purpose of your research in clear terms. Explain what you aimed to find out or accomplish through conducting the research.
Present your main research question(s) clearly. An action research paper should have a clear focus defined by the research questions.
Literature Review
Review existing literature, research or knowledge on the topic. This could include academic articles, reports, policies or literature from your own practice setting.
Identify what is already known about the issue based on previous studies and contexts. Also note any gaps in knowledge.
Explain how your research aims to address gaps, add new insight or apply existing knowledge to a new context. The literature review sets the context and justification for your study.
Methodology
Describe the specific methodology used for your action research project. Was it participatory action research, practitioner research etc.
Provide details of the research design – was it qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods? Explain data collection methods like interviews, observations, surveys.
Describe the research participants or context – who was involved, locations of study. Discuss any ethical considerations.
Explain your role and positionality as the researcher. Reflect on how this may have influenced the research process and outcomes.
Findings and Discussion
Present the key findings from your data collection and analysis in an organized, clear manner with relevant examples. Consider using tables, figures, quotes.
Analyze and interpret the meaning and importance of the findings. Reflect on how they help answer your research questions.
Relate the findings back to the existing literature. Highlight consistencies or inconsistencies with previous studies.
Discuss any limitations or unforeseen issues encountered during the research process. Consider strengths and weakness of the methodology.
Conclusion and Reflections
Summarize the main outcomes or conclusions drawn from your research. Reflect on how it addressed the original issue or research aim.
Discuss any action plans or changes implemented as a result of the findings. What ongoing impact has the research had?
Reflect critically on your own learning and insights gained through conducting action research. Consider how it impacted your practice or approach.
Suggest recommendations or areas for future research stemming from your study. Emphasize the applied, problem-solving nature of action research.
Appendices (if needed)
Include any supplementary material to support your paper like interview schedules, examples of data collection tools, ethics forms, participant information sheets etc.
References
Follow the chosen referencing style diligently for all in-text citations and reference list.
Throughout the paper, emphasize the iterative, cyclic nature of action research with ongoing reflection. Discuss revisions made to your methodology and ongoing learning. Adopt a style that balances the academic requirements while emphasizing the practical utility of action research outcomes. Provide sufficient context and details to make the research replicable or adaptable to other similar contexts. Overall, the key goal is to clearly report on the process and key learnings/insights gained through action to address a specific practical issue or problem.
Here is an example of an action research paper focused on improving teaching methods in a particular subject area:
The sample paper introduces the issue of declining student engagement and performance in a core subject at a high school. It presents background data to evidence the problem. The purpose is clearly stated as exploring and trialing new interactive teaching approaches to enhance understanding and participation.
The literature review covers theories of student-centered learning and examples of implemented strategies. Interviews with subject teachers at other schools provide additional context.
The methodology section outlines the participatory action research design involving the class teacher and student volunteers. It describes data collection through observation, reflective journals, and focus groups to trial and refine alternative teaching modules.
Findings demonstrate improved quiz scores, class discussion, and self-reported comprehension when using collaborative group tasks with visual/digital materials compared to traditional lecture formats. Limitations of class size and variability in external exam performance are discussed.
The conclusion summarizes key takeaways around more engaged learners through interactive methods. Planned next steps include expanding trials and developing open educational resources. Reflections consider shifts in the teacher’s practice and ongoing action research cycles in the department.
Overall, the paper models clearly reporting the rationale, process and outcomes of a practical action research project to address a workplace issue. It provides replicable examples for others to draw from in their own educational contexts and professional practice. The length and depth of detail covers core elements required in an effective action research paper.
Andrew Stroud