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Action Research

Self EvaluationAction research is a practical approach to professional inquiry in any social situation. The examples in this component relate to education and are therefore of particular relevance to teachers or lecturers engaged in their daily contact with children or students. But professional practice need not be teaching: it may be management or administration in a school or college, or it may be in an unrelated area, such as medicine or the social services. The context for professional inquiry might change, but the principles and processes involved in action research are the same, regardless of the nature of the practice.

Indeed, action research did not arise in education (see Lewin 1948), but was applied to the development of teaching as its potential was identified. Of particular influence was the work of Lawrence Stenhouse, who famously advocated that ‘curriculum research and development ought to belong to the teacher’ (Stenhouse, 1975 p. 142). He was most adamant that ‘it is not enough that teachers’ work should be studied: they need to study it themselves’ (p.143).

Leading the Learning

Key Features

  • Leading the Learning is a programme which seeks to promote the successful development of action research in schools
  • The developmental undertaken by participants has been used by our schools to exemplify good practice during Estyn inspection and for the Swansea Standard for the Self-Evaluating School
  • The initiative is a partnership between schools, the LEA and Swansea Metropolitan University

In the spirit of partnership a protocol has emerged.

The LEA will commit to:

  • Funding a large part of the programme including tuition and catering costs
  • Ensuring that a School Development Adviser supports the process and members of the cohort throughout the programme

The School will commit to:

  • Releasing a member of staff for five days over the course of the Autumn and Spring terms (four of these days will be funded by a GTCW bursary)
  • Possibly funding one of the days

The teacher will commit to:

  • Attending an introductory twilight session
  • Applying for a GTCW grant
  • Attending at Swansea Metropolitan University (Townhill Campus) for five days over two terms
  • Disseminating research to colleagues in the form of a powerpoint presentation