Collaborative Action Research Essay

Action research refers to teacher-initiated classroom investigation which is undertaken by teachers to increase their understanding of classroom teaching and learning, improve the situation in which their practice is carried out, and bring about change in their classroom practices (Kemmis & McTaggart, 1988 in Richards & Lockhart, 1996). It is small scale enquiry in classrooms, consisting of phases which recur in cycles: planning, action, observation, and reflection (Richards & Lockhart, 1996). The idea is that a teacher or group of teachers can select an issue to examine in more detail; select appropriate procedure for collecting information about the topic; collect the information, analyze it, and decide what changes might be necessary; develop action plan to bring about change in classroom behaviour; observe the effects of the action plan on teaching behaviour and reflect on its significance; and initiate a second action and so cycle if necessary (Richards & Lockhart, 1996). In other words, it is a self-reflective spiral of circles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting and

It provides reflective practitioners with an excellent medium to engage in the study of their own practice, develop their own educational theories derived from the practice, collaborate with their colleagues, integrate theory and practice and in doing so, enhances their own personal and professional development and fosters overall institutional improvement (Costello, 2011). Because it is carried out by practitioners on their own practice and in their own context, it has the potential to bring immediate change and improvement in practice (Lodico, Spaulding & Voegtle,