Action Research Proposal

Introduction

Educational research (a) is empirical, (b) should be systemic, (c) should be valid, (e) should be reliable, and (f) can take on a variety of forms. Action research proposal is a tool to improve the work of teachers, counselors, principals, and stakeholders.

Action research is a form of applied research whose primary purpose is the improvement of educational practice (Gall, Gall, & Borg, 2003).
As such, the information gathered during the research process in this venue provides a method of solving everyday problems.  For example, student learning, school programs, and teacher effectiveness are among the problems.

In addition, practitioners do the research themselves and not outsiders. Specifically, action research promotes teachers to become continuous learners and leaders (Gay, Mills, & Airasian, 2009).
In this assignment, you will design a proposal for an action research study. However, you are not responsible for its actual implementation.

In an actual action research study, you would design, implement, and measure the results of a potential solution strategy, in order to resolve or alleviate a problem.

However, as this is a proposal, you will simply be describing what you will do. This research encourages (with administrative approval) some/all of the proposal implementation in your classroom/school but not necessarily.

Action Research Proposal Components

Title Page
Abstract
A research proposal includes an abstract as a must. Double-space, no indent, and a limit of fewer than 120 words are a requirement in this case. It should provide a concise overview of your proposed study.

Part 1:  Introduction, Problem, & Purpose

Introduction (at least one paragraph)
Select a focus/problem that enables you to directly impact your students, co-workers, or campus. Write a problem statement that clearly states the problem.

(Focus  on the problem and not on the cause or the solution in the statement of the problem.)
State your rationale for selecting this problem and conducting this study. Why is this important to you? What is the big idea?
Identify the participants, setting, and your role as the writer.

Part 2:  Literature Review

Conduct a literature review to summarize previous research findings. What does the literature say about the problem?  What relationships, gaps, and/or contradictions exist in regard to investigating this problem?

Include at least five unique citations from peer-reviewed journals.

Part 3:  Purpose of Study & Proposed Solution

· State the purpose of your study.
· Determine a potential solution strategy to implement in order to address your problem, supported by research citations. How will this solution impact one or more of your problem cause(s)?

Part 4: Research Methodology

•  Construct a research design (Action research often follows a quasi-experimental design, but remember that your questions determine the type of design you should select).
• State research questions. Provide an operational definition for variables, as needed.
• Sketch (in general) how the study would be conducted. Be sure to include the following: Research participants (sample) and setting, sampling procedures/recruitment process and data to be collected (type, any reported reliability/validity, etc.)
• Establish the methods (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods) and instruments (surveys, tests, interviews, observations, etc.) that will be used to collect data to measure the impact of the solution strategy.
• Determine the data analysis methods that will be used to analyze the data collected (i.e., specific quantitative test(s), interview coding procedures, etc.).
• Draft a proposed timeline for implementation.

Part 5:  Discussion and Conclusion

Briefly restate your selected problem and overall goal/purpose, and discuss how your solution strategy addresses these areas.
Discuss the expected outcomes. Since you are not actually implementing this study, what do you expect would happen if you did? What are the short- and long-term implications for students, you, parents, other teachers, the school, etc.
Conclusion
References
Create a reference list to display each in-text reference cited, as well as all instruments used.
Appendices
The appendix(es) goes after the References.  Forms, questionnaires, assessment instruments, and similar original documents should be appended to the report rather than included as part of the text.  The body of the report must refer to every appendix.  Title each appendix, assign it a letter, and continue sequential pagination, per APA style.

Writing Notes

Throughout your paper, follow APA style in the use of headings, sub-headings, citations, and
references. There is no required length, but a suggested length is 7-10 pages. The goal is to
completely respond to all criteria in each section. Sample research proposals will be posted on”