Introduction to action research summarised from Burns, 2005

1. Action research
Burns, A. (2005). Action research: An evolving paradigm?.
Language teaching,38(02), 57-74.

2. Introduction
• a “quiet
methodological
revolution”
• qualitative research
(not experimental)
• participative,
naturalistic enquiry

3. • Aristotle, John Dewey
• Lewin:
• “research leading to social
action” (1946)
• “circle of planning, action and fact-
finding about the result of the action”

4. Processes of action research
• simultaneous focus
on action and
research
• response to a
perceived problem,
puzzle or question
• collaborative
process

5. 4 movements
plan
action
observation
reflection

6. different
phases
exploring, identifying,
planning, collecting data,
analysing, hypothesising,
intervening, observing,
reporting, writing,
presenting

7. • “my experience of action research is
that it is difficult to grasp or explain the
concept until one is in the process of
doing it”
(Jane Hamilton, cited in Burns, 1999)

8. • reduce gaps between academic research
findings and practical applications
• facilitate professional development of
reflective teachers
• acquaint teachers with research skills
and enhance knowledge of research
• enhance development of teachers’
personal practical theories
Goals of action research