The Action Research Process

Action research is a continuous and reflective process where educators make instructional decisions in their classrooms based on student needs reflected by classroom data. The process of action research involves four phases: identifying a classroom problem, developing and implementing an action research plan, collecting and analyzing data, and using and sharing results. The graphic portrays the continuous nature of the process. Action research never really ends because learning is a cyclical process. An action researcher is always observing, analyzing, designing, assessing, and adjusting. The cyclical nature of action research provides teachers with ongoing opportunities to reflect on and refine their own teaching practices.