6

LEARNING EPISODE
FIELD STUDY 2 Embedding Action

2
Research for Reflective

FS 2 Teaching

SPARK YOUR INTEREST

To have a meaningful and successful accomplishment in this FS episode, be sure to read

through the whole episode before participating and assisting in your FS 2 Resource
Teacher’s class. Note all the information you will need and the task you will need to do
before working on this episode.

TARGET YOUR INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME

At the end of this Learning Episode, I must be able to:

be familiar about action research as a reflective teacher.
underscore the importance of doing action research.

CLARIFY YOUR TASK

Doing Action Research: An Overview

Every teacher is an action researcher. Everyone can do it. Teachers and students can do it
together.
This episode focuses on doing action research as one of the roles of the teacher. Every
teacher should take interest to know how students learn, wants to make innovations in the
curriculum and desires to improve teaching practice. In order to achieve these, a teacher has
to do action research on the everyday practical problems. These problematic situations and
observed discrepancies emerge between what is intended and what actually occurs in the
classroom.
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REVISIT THE INFOGRAPHICS

There is a general agreement among action research community that action research is
about ACTION: taking action to improve practice and RESEARCH: finding things out and
coming to a new understanding that create new knowledge.
Action research is not new. It dates back to the time of John Dewey in 1920 when he
introduced the idea of inquiry. This was followed by Collier, 1945; Lewin, 1949; Corey, 1953
and many others who came later. Schon introduced the notion of action research as a habit of
continuing inquiry. Inquiry begins with situations that are problematic, confusing, uncertain
and conflicting, and so does Action Research.
It was Stephen Corey (1953) who defined Action Research as the process through
which practitioners like teachers, study their own practice to solve their personal or
professional practical problems. Further on, John Illiot in 1993 clarified that action research is
concerned with everyday practical problems experienced by teachers, rather than the
theoretical problems defined by pure researchers.
Action research is grounded on the reality of the school, classroom, teachers and
students. Sometime it is labelled as Teacher Action Research (TAR) but is popularly known
simply as Action Research (AR).
Action Research is a process that allows teachers to study their own classrooms,
schools and educational setting in order to understand them better and to improve their quality
and effectiveness. The process of observation, reflection and inquiry lead to action that makes
a difference in teaching and learning. It bridges doing (practice) and learning (study) and
reflection (inquiry).
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You must have experienced in your past subjects, doing some activities or
accomplishing tasks similar to action research. These are activities that required you to do
Reflection and Make Action or the other way around. Schon (1987) distinguishes Reflection
in Action or Reflection on Action as two different things.
Perhaps your mentor teacher has already done an Action Research. Now is the
opportunity for you to participate and assist in ways that you are capable of doing.
Here is what you will do.
Making a List of Completed Action Research Titles by Teachers in the Field
1. Make a library or on-line search of the different Completed Action Research Titles
Conducted by Teachers.
2. Enter the list in the matrix similar to the one below.
3. Submit your list of five (5) Titles of Completed Action Research Studies to your
mentor as reference.

Inventory of Sample Action Research Conducted by Teachers

List of Completed Action Research Titles Author/Authors
Ex. Differentiated Instruction in Teaching Mary Joy Olicia
English for Grade Four Classes

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
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Congratulations!!! You have done a good job. By doing so, you have assisted your
mentor and together you will journey towards becoming an action researcher.
Notice
Based on your activity on Making a List of Completed Action Research Titles, let’s
find out what you have noticed by answering the following questions.
Questions My Answer
1. What have you noticed about the 1. Identified problem to be solved in title
action research titles? Do the no. 1
action research (AR) titles imply
problems to be solved? Yes ___
No ___ 2. Identified problem to be solved in title
no. 2

3. Identified problem to be solved in title

no. 3
If YES, identify the problems
from the title you have given. Answer
in the space provided. 4. Identified problem to be solved in title
no. 4

5. Identified problem to be solved in title

no. 5

2. What interpretation about action Title of the Action Research:

research can you make out of your
answer in Question No. 1?

From the title, I think, the study __________.

3. Write the Title and your
interpretation of the study from
the title.

4. What do you think did the I think the author/s…

author/s do with the identified
problem as presented in their
titles?
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ANALYZE

Action research seems easy and familiar. Since teaching seems to be full of
problematic situations and that the teacher has a responsibility of finding solution for
everyday problems in school, hence teachers should do action research. This is an exciting
part of being a teacher, a problem solver!
Let us continue to examine and analyze what you have noticed and interpreted in the
previous activity.
My Answer
Key Questions Choose from the options given. You may
check more than one answer.
1. From what source do you think, Choices:
did the authors identify the
____ Copied from research books
problems of their action research?
____ From daily observation of their teaching
practice.
____ From difficulties they observed of their
learners.
____ From their own personal experience.
____ From the told experiences of their co-
teachers.

2. What do you think is the teacher’s Choices:

intention in conducting the action
____ To find a solution to the problematic
research?
situation
____ To comply with the requirement of the
principal
____ To improve teaching practice
____ To try out something, if it works
____ To prove oneself as better than the others
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3. What benefit do you get as a Choices:

student in FS 2 in understanding
____ Prepare me for my future job
and doing action research?
____ Get good grades in the course
____ Learn and practice being an action
researcher
____ Improve my teaching practice
____ Exposure to the realities in the
teaching profession
____ Become a better teacher everyday

4. In what ways, can you assist your ____ By co-researching with my mentor
mentor in his/her Action Research
____ By assisting in the design of the
Activity?
intervention
____ By assisting in the implementation
of the AR
____ By just watching what is being done

REFLECT

Based on the readings you made and the previous activities that you have done,
1. What significant ideas or concepts have you learned about action research?

I learned that

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________

2. Have you realized that there is a need to be an action researcher as a future teacher?
Yes ___ No ___. If yes, complete the sentence below.

I learned that

_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
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OBSERVE

From what teaching principles of theories can this problem be anchored?

 I have observed and noticed that Action Research begins with a problem or a
problematic situation.
Write an example of a problematic situation you have observed and noticed.
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

REFLECT

What have I realized? What do I hope to achieve?

 I realized that for every teaching learning problem, there is a solution.
Write a probable solution to the problematic situation above
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

PLAN

What strategies, activities, innovations can I employ to improve the situation or solve the
problem?
 As a future researcher I can plan for an appropriate intervention like

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

ACT

If I conduct or implement my plan, what can be its title?

 If I will implement my doable plan in the future, my title would be
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
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CHECK FOR MASTERY

Direction: Choose the best answer.

1. Every future teacher should do action research because_____________.

A. it is a requirement for teachers in the field.

B. it will improve teaching practice.
C. it will add points to teacher’s performance.
D. it is part of the teacher’s standard.

2. Spotting a problematic situation in teaching and learning will ____________.

A. spark an idea of doing Teacher Action Research

B. give more confusion to the teacher
C. create complexity in everyday teaching
D. add burden to teacher’s daily routine

3. Which of the following statements motivates a teacher to do action research?

A. Any problem that occurs in my class will soon pay.

B. For every teaching-learning problem, there is always a solution.
C. Leave the problematic situation for other teachers to solve.
D. There are more important classroom routines than finding solutions.

4. “Every teacher, should be an action researcher.” This statement is _________.

A. applicable only for teachers in big schools.

B. not doable and very idealistic.
C. the call for teachers in the current times.
D. appropriate for honor graduates.

5. Which of the following statement is TRUE?

A. Action research problem is created by the teacher.

B. Noticing helps a teacher spot problematic situation.
C. Much of the teaching time should be spent in action research.
D. Action research is an optional teacher activity.
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WORK ON MY ARTIFACTS

Your artifact will be an Abstract of a completed action research.

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MODELS and GUIDES in CONDUCTING ACTION RESEARCH

 McNiff & Whitehead 2006 (Adaptation)
Action Research Cycle The Action Research Process
OBSERVE Identify the problem.
1. Based on observation and noticing, what problematic
situations prevail in the classroom or teaching learning
environment?
2. Which of these problems shall I focus on?
3. What does literature say about this problem? On what theories
or principles, I learned before is the problem anchored?
REFLECT Reflect (Reflection continues all throughout the process.)
1. What do I hope to achieve? What do I intend to change for the
better?
2. Is doing this action research important to improve my
practice?
3. Can I do this alone? Or should I collaborate?
PLAN Plan an Action Research Strategy
1. What type of research will I use? Quantitative? Qualitative?
2. How will I describe my innovation? Intervention? Strategy?
3. Is my plan doable within the given period of time?
ACT Take Action
1. How do I put my plan into action? How long?
2. How will I gather data or information?
3. What sense or meaning do I get out of the data?
EVALUATE Use Findings
1. Where do I apply results to improve practice?
2. Are my findings worth sharing?
MODIFY Move To Another Cycle
1. Is there a need to modify intervention to get new results?
2. Should I move to another cycle of action research?
 Nelson, O 2014 Model
OBSERVE Identify The Problem
1. Based on observation and noticing, what problematic situation
prevails in the classroom or teaching learning environment?
2. Which of these problems shall I focus on?
3. What does literature say about this problem? On what theories
or principles, I learned before are the problems anchored?
REFLECT Reflect (Reflection continues all throughout the process.)
1. What do I hope to achieve? What do I intend to change for the
better?
2. Is doing this action research important to improve my
practice?
3. Can I do this alone? Or should I collaborate?
PLAN Plan An Action Research Strategy
1. What type of research will I use? Quantitative? Qualitative?
2. How will I describe my innovation? Intervention? Strategy?
3. Is my plan doable within the given period of time?
ACT Take Action
1. How do I put my plan into action? How long?
2. How will I gather data or information?
3. What sense or meaning do I get out of the data?
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 Department of Education (DO 16) 2017 Model

Action Research Key Action Research Process
Components
I. CONTEXT AND Identifying the Problem
RATIONALE 1. Why am I doing this?
II. ACTION 2. What is the background of my action research?
RESEARCH 3. What problem/question am I trying to solve?
QUESTIONS 4. What do I hope to achieve?
III. PROPOSED Proposed Plan
INNOVATION, 1. What do I plan as a solution to the problem I identified?
INTERVENTION (Describe.)
AND STRATEGY 2. What innovation will I introduce to solve the problem?
(Describe.)
3. What strategy should I introduce? (Describe.)
IV. ACTION Plan of Action Research
RESEARCH 1. Who are to participate? (my students, peers, myself)
METHODS 2. What are my sources of information? (participants)
a. Participants and/or 3. How shall I gather information?
other Sources of 4. How will I analyze my data/information?
Data and
Information.
b. Data Gathering
Methods
c. Data Analysis Plan.
V. ACTION Action Research Work Plan
RESEARCH 1. What should my work plan contain? (targets, activities,
WORK PLAN person involved, timeline, cost)
AND 2. How long will I conduct my intervention? (For reliable
TIMELINESS results 8 to 12 weeks)
VI. COST Action Research Cost- (Consider also the maximum cost if
ESTIMATES externally funded like DepEd, LGUs NGO or personal)
VII. PLANS FOR Sharing results
DISSEMINATION 1. How will I share the result of my action research?
AND (Publish, Present, Flyers, LAC sessions)
UTILIZATION 2. Can I collaborate with other teachers to continue or
replicate my study?
VIII. REFERENCES References
1. What reading materials and references are included in my
review of literature?

Both Action Research Process above are supported by the two AR Models which will be
presented next.
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REVISIT THE INFOGRAPHICS

Action research is a dynamic process anchored on Reflection Action Cycle of

Observing, Reflecting, Acting, Evaluating and Modifying.

Figure 1. AN Action-Reflection Cycle as Basis for Action Research

Source: McNiff and Whitehead, 2006

Action research is a cyclical, recursive process of observe > > reflect > > act > >
evaluate > > modify > > move in new direction is known as action-reflection (McNiff &
Whitehead, 2006) In 2011, McNiff defined action research as a form of inquiry that enables
practitioners to investigate and evaluate their work. Before that, Corey in 1953 viewed action
research as a recursive or repeated process, proceeding through spiral ling cycle of planning,
actions, reflections and change.
In a similar vein, Nelson, 2014 proposed an action research cycle that starts with
Observe followed by Reflect, Plan and Act which can also go through evaluation and
modification. It also follows a cyclical process. ß

Source: Nelson, O. 2014

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REVISIT THE INFOGRAPHICS

You are now ready to participate and assist!

Understanding fully the concept and the process of Action Research will enable you to
learn and provide the needed assistance to your teacher mentor in doing Action Research.
Notice
What concepts have been emphasized in the task and infographics? Give at least four.
1. ______________________________________________________________

2. ______________________________________________________________

3. ______________________________________________________________

4. ______________________________________________________________
Since the 3 models are all for action research, what are the common elements of the three?
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

ANALYZE

Choose the AR sample Abstract that you submitted in Episode 2.

 Analyze the components vis-a-vis only one model out of the 3 presented.
 If you choose to compare with Model A-McNiff & Whitehead, 2006, here are the
components.
Title and Author of the Action Research:

Key Components Entry from your Sample AR

Observe The Problem

Reflect Reflection

Plan Plan of Action

Act Implementation

Evaluate Findings

Modify Recommendation
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 If you choose to compare with Model B-Nelson, O. 2014, here are the components.
Title and Author of the Action Research:

Key Components Entry from your Sample AR

Observe The Problem

Reflect Reflection

Plan Plan of Action

Act Implementation

 Or if you choose the DepEd Model, 2017, here are the components.
Title and Author: (the same as your entry in model A)

Key Component Action Research Process

I. Context and Rationale Study Background

II. Action Research Questions AR Questions

III. Proposed Innovation, Intervention Describe Innovation/Intervention/Strategy.

Strategy

IV. Action Research Methods Describe Action Research Methods.

a. Participants/ Other sources of Data
b. Data Gathering Methods
c. Data Analysis Plan
V. Action Research Work Plan Summarize Action Research Work Plan.

VI. Cost Estimate Write cost estimate.

VII. Plan for Dissemination and Describe how the result will be shared.
Utilization

VIII. References Write at least 3 references.

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What have you understood about the concept of Action Research and how will these
be utilized in your practice?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

REFLECT

As a future teacher, is conducting an Action Research worth doing?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Why?______________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

How can AR be useful for every classroom teacher?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

WRITE ACTION PROMPTS

OBSERVE

Remembering my classroom observations in FS 1, I noticed that there are many questions

that I raised in my mind. These include:
a. _____________________________________________________
b. _____________________________________________________
c. _____________________________________________________
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PLAN

Now, that I am in FS 2, I plan to make a plan for my solution to problem (choose from a, b,
c) because
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

ACT

My action will come later, given enough time in FS 2 or during my Teaching Internship.
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CHECK FOR MASTERY

Direction: Check from the choices, what answer's respond an X if otherwise.

1. Action research requires a teacher to be:

______ observant of what is happening in the classroom.
______ asking one-self of how to improve teaching.
______ the daily routine all the time.
______ finding ways on how children should learn better.
______ blaming learners for their inability to learn.

2. There are many ways of doing action research which follow a cyclical process. The
process include:
______ Observe, Reflect, Plan, Act
______ Observe, Plan, Act, Reflect
______ Reflect, Act, Plan, Observe
______ Plan, Observe, Act, Reflect
______ Modify, Observe, Plan, Reflect

3. As an action researcher, I will be developing my skill as a person who is

______ Systematic
______ Reflective
______ Rigorous
______ Futuristic
______ Situational

4. On which of the following would you choose to conduct an Action Research.

Why?

____ Changes in the classroom practices. Why?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

____ Effects of curriculum restructuring. Why?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

____ Understanding of self as a teacher. Why?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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_____ Teaching a new process to the students.

Why?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

5. Which of the following relates closely to what action research is?

______ Used to address practical problems in the classroom

______ Refers only to everyday life of the learners
______ Allows teachers to study their own classroom
______ Brings theories and practices together

WORK ON MY ARTIFACTS

Your artifact will be a full-blown completed Action Research