STEP 1 – Selection of the Problem
This is the starting point of action research.
In education, the teacher identifies a problem or issue that affects students’ learning or classroom performance.
Examples:
- Students are not able to read fluently.
- Many students do not complete their homework.
- The class participation is low.
The problem should be practical, specific, and something the teacher can work on directly.
STEP 2 – Defining the Problem
Once the problem is selected, it must be clearly defined so that it is easy to understand and study.
In this step, the teacher writes down exactly what the problem is, who is affected, and how it appears.
Example:
- “Many students in Class 1 are unable to read small English words correctly during reading sessions.”
STEP 3 – Delimiting the Problem
Here, the teacher sets limits or boundaries for the problem to make it manageable.
This means focusing only on a particular group, class, or area instead of the entire school.
Example:
- Instead of studying “reading difficulties of all students in school,” the teacher may limit it to “reading difficulties of students in Class 1.”
This helps in focusing the research and making it practical.
STEP 4 – Finding Out the Possible Causes of the Problem
The teacher now looks for reasons behind the problem.
Possible causes are identified through observation, discussion, or analysis of student behavior and work.
Example:
- Lack of reading practice at home
- Fear of speaking in front of others
- Weak letter-sound recognition
- Insufficient phonics activities in class
Knowing the causes helps in deciding the right action plan.
STEP 5 – Formulation of Action Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible solution or action plan that the teacher thinks might solve the problem.
It is based on the causes identified.
Example:
- “If I conduct daily 10-minute phonics games and reading aloud sessions, students’ reading skills will improve.”
This becomes the hypothesis to be tested.
STEP 6 – Developing and Designing Tools for Action Research
The teacher now prepares tools (methods or instruments) to collect information and test the hypothesis.
Examples of tools in education:
- Observation checklists
- Questionnaires for students
- Tests or worksheets
- Feedback forms
These tools help the teacher measure whether the action taken brings improvement.
STEP 7 – Analysis
After applying the action (for example, using new teaching methods), the teacher collects data and analyzes the results.
This involves comparing students’ performance before and after the action.
Example:
- If reading fluency was tested before and after phonics games, the teacher checks whether students are now reading more confidently and correctly.
STEP 8 – Conclusion
Finally, the teacher draws a conclusion from the analysis.
- If the hypothesis worked, the teacher can adopt the new method permanently.
- If not, the teacher can try another approach or modify the plan.
The conclusion helps in improving teaching practices and sharing useful strategies with other teachers.
In Summary :
Action research helps teachers become reflective practitioners - meaning they learn from their own classroom experiences and continuously improve.
It turns everyday classroom challenges into opportunities for professional growth and better student outcomes.
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