Characteristics of My Action Research

In the process of action research I conducted as a classroom teacher, I incorporated the insights gained from the observation, pre and post-tests, and daily reflection in planning the next activities by addressing the raised problems during actions in the classroom. For example, I came across a problem that the students lacked in the skills of asking questions related to the properties of geometrical figures. While planning the activities for the subsequent sessions, I incorporated the patterns of reciprocal questioning to enable the students to ask questions relevant to the properties of geometrical figures. Action research is a practical activity to be implemented in a particular situation because the insights obtained from the data lead a way to make practical changes in the practices. During the activity not only practical improvements are made but also the researchers act as self-critical change agents.
The participants of action research such as my critical friend and two mathematics teachers shared their views and provided suggestions regarding the changes to be made in the practices from time to time. In the process of action research, the teachers and their colleagues as action researchers collectively obtain the information relevant to the real issues in a particular situation. The process of action research empowers the participants to make decisions because they can influence and contribute to the research. The inquiry provides tentative solutions on the basis of the diverse views of the people involved in the process.
My action research was a professional development activity in which an existing problem in the classroom was identified, diagnosed, reflected on, and planned to be addressed. Action research is a professional activity that is cyclical and spiral in structure which involves planning, taking an action step, observation, and reflection which are some of the aspects of the professional development of the teachers.