C H A P T E R 8

SHARING AND REFLECTING

Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators (4/e) Craig A. Mertler SAGE Publications, 2014

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Gap between research conducted in education and (supposed) end users of that research• Problem with “converting” research into practically applied results in

classrooms, etc.• Often, too technical and do not fit with “daily needs” of a classroom

teacher• Do not factor in the practical challenges of applying research findings

• The teacher-researcher—and action research— become the missing link

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• However, simply conducting classroom-based action research is not enough• Results of action research must be shared (formally and informally)• Facilitates the actual “bridging of the divide”• Provides teachers with a voice; research becomes an integral part of

the instructional process• The act of sharing results of action research is also a time to

celebrate those findings and the process• Helps to create a rewarding, satisfying professional experience

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Sharing at the local level• Numerous possible audiences:

• Colleagues

• Professional discussions; may be very informal

• Keep brief; use visual aids

• Highlight main aspects of your study

• District administration

• Members of school board, superintendent, assistant superintendents, directors, building-

level administrators

• Can help avoid educational malpractice

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Sharing within action research communities• Action research community—professional learning community (PLC) made up of

educational professionals driven by a common goal of practicing reflective teaching to

improve classroom instructional practice or other aspects of the educational process

• Key to improved student learning is continuous, job-embedded learning for educators

• Can be created within a building or district, or can include multiple districts (typically

within small geographic area)

• Ideal for lending encouragement and support

• Can run the spectrum from informal to formal

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Key characteristics of a PLC focused on action research:• A shared mission, vision, values, and goals all focused on student learning;

• A collaborative culture;

• Collective inquiry into best practices and current reality;

• An action orientation, or learning by doing;

• A commitment to continuous improvement; and

• An orientation focused on results, and not on intentions.

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Sharing at professional conferences

• Opportunity to share results, experience among much broader community of

educators

• Additional dialogue, brainstorming, reflection

• Great opportunities for networking

• Conferences can be statewide, regional, or national

• Process of submitting a proposal, acceptance of the proposal, and presentation

at the conference

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Formats include:• Paper presentations• Symposia or panel presentations• Poster presentations

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Sharing in academic journals• Refereed journals• Potential to reach larger audiences

• Guidelines• Familiarize yourself with journal you are submitting to

• Use clear, reader-friendly writing style

• “Guide” your readers through your study

• Include summary of methods used

• Find ways to keep your readers’ attention

• Process of submitting a manuscript, blind review, acceptance of the manuscript, and publishing the article

COMMUNICATING THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Sharing in electronic formats• Many opportunities for electronic dissemination exist

• Especially online formats

• Action research Web sites

• Electronic mailing lists

• Electronic journals

• Must be careful of quality of materials appearing on the Internet

• Many school districts have developed their own action research sites for

dissemination of work from their educators

REFLECTING ON THE RESULTS OFACTION RESEARCH

• Reflection (once again!)

• Sharing, communicating, disseminating are yet another means of engaging in

reflection on the action research process

• Opportunity to review what you’ve done and learned

• Another chance to introspectively examine your own educational practice

• Seize every opportunity to engage in reflective practice: critical to professional

growth

Share . . . Disseminate . . . and Celebrate!!!

ACTION RESEARCH CHECKLIST 8

Action Research Checklist 8:Sharing and Disseminating the Results of Action Research

☐ Develop a plan for sharing and communicating the results of your action research.

☐ Will you share the results at the local level?

☐ Will you share them at a broader level?

☐ For a local presentation:

☐ Determine the length of time and setting or format for your presentation.

☐ Develop an outline of the major points of your presentation.

☐ Thoroughly develop your presentation using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi).

☐ Practice your presentation in advance to ensure you stay within your allotted time limits.

☐ For a broader (e.g., conference) presentation:

☐ Select a conference at which you would be interested in presenting.

☐ Following their guidelines, develop and submit your proposal for presenting.

☐ Wait for the decision of the conference organizers. Once you hear that your proposal has been accepted for presentation (!), develop an outline of the major points of your presentation.

☐ Thoroughly develop your presentation using presentation software (e.g., PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi).

☐ Practice your presentation in advance to ensure you stay within your allotted time limits.

☐ Be confident! Good luck!