Overview

A lecture series will guide you through the main concepts within the field of action research, including the ethics, limitations, and practical requirements.

Small group seminars will provide a forum for you to explore your understanding of action research and begin applying the skills in practice.

Assessments will enable you to plan a small independent action research project within your own organisation.

Topics may include: -Action research: concept, definitions and history
-Concept of the insider researcher -Action research cycle, models and approaches -Barriers to the practitioner research -Creating a culture of inquiry in practice -Gaining access for the insider researcher -Preparing an action research proposal -Research ethics and the insider researcher -Collecting and analysing data -Reflection on professional practice -Reflecting on action and outcomes: cycles of change -Undertaking an action research project

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -C+ to C-•Limited insight into how to design and implement an action research project•Some knowledge of action research•Understanding of the main concepts, but with factual errors in non-core concepts•Limited analysis showing only obvious points of evaluation and links between ideas•Highly limited originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Highly limited evidence of independent research •Arguments presented but lack coherence with evidence for only some claims•Focused but with some irrelevant material and weaknesses in structure •Acceptable presentation with appropriate expression•Attempt at correct format in appropriate referencing style -good -B+ to B-•Some insight into how to design and implement an action research project•Strong knowledge of action research•Clear understanding and mostly free of factual errors •Some analysis showing critical evaluation and links between ideas•Some originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Some independent research •Coherent arguments with evidence for most claims•Focused and well structured•Good presentation with accurate and appropriate expression•Mostly correct format in appropriate referencing style -excellent -A* to A-•Insightful awareness into how to design and implement an action research project•Comprehensive knowledge of action research •Detailed understanding with no factual errors •Critical analysis showing evaluation and synthesis of ideas•Originality in approach, interpretation, and/or voice•Extensive independent research •Logically defended arguments with evidence for all claims•Highly focused and well structured •Excellent presentation with accurate and appropriate expression•Correct format in appropriate referencing style

Learning Outcomes

• Critically evaluate the risks and ethical implications associated with work-based action research.

• Hold an evidence-informed and comprehensive knowledge of models of work-based inquiry.

• Plan a work-based research project and understand how to draw conclusions for organisational and system improvement.