Why do an action research project?

2. Why do an action research project? • Addressing an issue in a curriculum area • Introducing an innovation • Evaluating a teaching technique or curriculum change

3. The main features of Action Research • Being a ‘reflective practitioner’ • Informed action • Intentional intervention in order to learn as a practitioners or to improve learning • Putting the ‘I’ at the centre of the research • Systematic monitoring to generate valid data • Authentic descriptions of the action • Explaining / interpreting the action • Validating your research • Making your research public (presenting/writing up)

5. Possible data to collect • Focus group findings • Questionnaires • Observations • Written work from students • Diary • Course reviews • Video diaries? (for webpage) • Digital photos

6. Tangible outcomes from Action Research at Farnborough • Final written report for in–house journal and website • Ability to achieve credits on MA Education through Roehampton University link • Presenting to colleagues • Presenting to delegates from other colleges or agencies

7. Benefits of doing projects • Payment! (off-scale award of approx £600) • Professional development • Learning new skills of research • Gaining insight into an aspect of teaching and learning • Gaining accreditation on MA • Publishing work • Helping to disseminate good practice

8. Deadline for proposals • Friday 4th July