This unit aims to enable learners to carry out action research in an area of professional practice. It includes understanding the nature and purpose of action research, conducting action research, analysing evaluating the findings and presenting the outcomes. It also involves evaluating own practice in relation to action research.
(LSIS Qualification Guidance 2011)

This module places the learner at the heart of researching and changing their own practice, carrying out action research in an area of their professional practice. Learners will develop understanding of the nature and purpose of action research and conduct action research based on a change to your practice. The learners will present the outcomes and evaluate your approach to action research. These skills could enable learners to lead future practitioner research projects in their subject specialism and demonstrate to employers a commitment to continual quality improvement of practice.

1) Complete a satisfactory observation of teaching practice. 0% weighting (LO 4)
2) Complete and evaluate an action research project. 7000 words, Weighting 100% (LO 1-7)

Bell, J. (2010) Doing Your Research Project (5th Edition), Maidenhead, Open University Press
Cohen, L. Manion, L and Morrison, K. (2007) Research Methods in Education(6th edition), London: UK
Gillham, B. (2011) Developing a Questionnaire (2nd Edition) Continuum: UK
Lowe, M. (2007) Beginning Research: A Guide for Foundation Degree Students Routledge: UK
McNiff, J. (2010) Action Research for Professional Development September Books
Sharp, J. (2009) Success with your Education Research Project

As decided by learner as well as textbooks, video recorders, available technology, e.g. VLE, PCs and interactive whiteboards.

Course digitisation pack of key literature available from Blackboard VLE

Weblinks

Jean McNiff http://www.jeanmcniff.com/
http://www.jeanmcniff.com/ar-booklet.asp

The Guardian Bad Science (regular column):
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/series/badscience

More or Less: BBC Radio 4 Programme on problems with Statistics http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006qshd

Plymouth University guide: http://www.edu.plymouth.ac.uk/resined/actionresearch/arhome.htm

WMCETT overview of action research: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/othercourses/wmcett/researchprojects/action/resources/