Abstract
Action-based research is an approach used to design studies that seek to both inform and influence practice. The goal of this type of research in the academic arena centers on guiding school improvement to take informed actions. This chapter specifically focuses on action-based research, the process, and the effects the approach has in both P-12 and higher education through the use of two case studies. These case studies show that action-based research can be applied to various settings and age ranges. Theoretical frameworks are provided to endorse ways in which action-based research is an effective hands-on approach aimed towards getting results to improve practices.
TopDoctoral Program Focus On Action Based Research
Monmouth University enrolled its inaugural doctoral cohort in Educational Leadership in the Fall of 2017. The 54-credit program includes two key program elements. The first is a transformative leadership project (TLP) that centers around an action-research methodology. The second is a standard five-chapter dissertation written based on the study of the TLP. Throughout the program, students take courses that guide them through both key elements. In their practitioner and theory coursework, students are lead through their TLP. That is, they identify a school-based problem, create an intervention, pilot the intervention, evaluate the effectiveness of the program intervention through an IRB approved research study, then report findings. Along with these courses, students take research courses that mentor them through their research process and the writing of their dissertation. Action research relies on both qualitative and quantitative methodology to measure the effectiveness of an intervention. Projects range in design and methodology of the measurement of effectiveness as seen through the dissertation titles and nature of the studies presented in Table 1.
Key Terms in this Chapter
Sport Science: Involves using principles and concepts of science to enhance elite athletic performance ( Woods, 2010 ).
Guided Reading: Guided reading is a small-group instructional context where the teacher supports each student based on their development of systems of strategic actions for processing new texts at increasingly challenging levels of difficulty (Fountas & Pinnell, 2021 AU61: The in-text citation "Fountas & Pinnell, 2021" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Action-based research: “the study of a social situation carried out by those involved in that situation in order to improve both their practice and the quality of their understanding” (Wilson, 2013 AU58: The in-text citation "Wilson, 2013" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. )
Applied Behavior Analysis: A scientific approach that is data driven, used to teach social, communication, academics, and behavior skills to students. The goal of ABA is to increase positive behavior and decrease problem behaviors (Heward, 2009 AU59: The in-text citation "Heward, 2009" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Behavioral Sport Psychology: In elite athletics, using principles and concepts of applied behavioral analysis (ABA) to enhance performance outcomes and overall athletic success/achievement (Schenk & Miltenberger, 2018 AU60: The in-text citation "Schenk & Miltenberger, 2018" is not in the reference list. Please correct the citation, add the reference to the list, or delete the citation. ).
Explicit Instruction: “ Instruction that does not leave anything to change and does not make assumptions about skills and knowledge that children will acquire on their own” ( Denton et al., 2014 )