About Action Research

Action research can be described as a family of research methodologies which pursue action (or change) and research (or understanding) at the same time. In most of its forms it does this by using a cyclic or spiral process which alternates between action and critical reflection and in the later cycles, continuously refining methods, data and interpretation in the light of the understanding developed in the earlier cycles. --  Dick, Bob (1999)

Action Research, a scholarly approach to improve teaching and learning, can be a central piece of professional development. This project-based research can benefit professors, counselors, and librarians by actively engaging them in the collaborative study of learning as it takes place day by day in the context of their own practices. Through this small-scale, practical research, faculty members can investigate questions regarding student learning that directly impact their practices. At Valencia, action research has become a significant aspect of faculty development, thereby reinforcing the College's community of learners and culture of evidence.

We offer many opportunities to support faculty members who are interested in exploring action research. These resources and courses help faculty members develop a best practices framework for action research and Valencia's Standards of Scholarship.

ACTION RESEARCH TUTORIAL

• Tutorial Web Site

  This interactive tutorial walks you through the elements of action research and provides opportunities to self-assess your knowledge of the action research process.

• Action Research Builder Tutorial

  This tutorial includes step-by-step instructions on loading your project to the Action Research Project Builder, which is located in the Faculty tab in Ateaching-learning-academys.

RESOURCES

• Elements of an Action Research Project
• Action Research Project Rubric
• Web Resources
• Courses to Support Action Research
  

• Model Action Research Projects
  The competencies addressed in the following AR projects were effective prior to the 2016 update.

•  Model Librarian ARP: TLA Graduate, Courtney Moore
•  Model Psychology ARP: TLA Graduate, Derek Schorsch
•  Model Nursing ARP: TLA Graduate, Wanda Stanek
•  Model English ARP: TLA Graduate, Zachary Hyde
•  Model Chemistry ARP: TLA Graduate, Diego Diaz

Documents and Tools

•  Action Research Project Plan Template
  This template is for faculty conducting action reserach outside the tenure process.
  Tenure candidates should refer to the portfolio template available under Candidate Resourses, Year-3.
•  Consent Form for Action Research Projects
• Qualtrics (online survey tool)