Unit 1: Benefits of action research

Conducting research within the classroom is very valuable to the development of teaching and learning. Anything from effective assessment to managing behaviour can be the focus of thorough research without disrupting class time.

This unit allows staff to explore the meaning of action research, to identify issues that need further consideration and to find out how this can improve teaching and learning. It introduces the structure of plan, do, review.

• Define action research: understand the meaning of action research in a teaching and learning context.
• Understand the need for evidence: determine what counts as evidence in making decisions about teaching, learning and interaction in school.
• Establish a first research cycle: enable participants to plan and start their preliminary action research cycle.
• Realise the potential of research: understand the potential benefits of undertaking action research for staff and pupils by experiencing an initial cycle.

• Initial task
• Overviews
• Progress marker
• Determining impact of training
• What is action research?
• Action research in context
• Research in your school
• Action research in your role
• What's going on?
• Review/preview