A 101 Action Research Guide for Beginners

Demystifying Research Terminology using A Concrete STEM Action Research Project

Author: Saba Ahmed

A 101 Action Research Guide for Beginners

An easy to understand guide on research terminology, with the distinct advantage of having an entire action research project to portray key principles of research. It depicts how research can be transformative to teaching pedagogy in the 21st century, with central themes explored such as peer collaboration, and contemporary learning theories.

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«Written for those new or returning to educational and action research, the author travels from definitions of key terms, through data collection and academic writing, to the finished research report. There are welcome stop offs for reflection, artificial intelligence, and quality assurance. The final chapter brings the work together in example reports written following small scale action research projects.

The author provides a resource that’s very much needed. It’s simple, real and relevant to novice researchers while being authoritative and straightforward, reflective without being fluffy, and grounded in science and related subjects.»

(Louise Coleman, Pearson BTEC Higher National Subject Lead for Health and Science, MSc, DCR(T))

«A jargon-busting, comprehensive guide for teachers and students working on action research projects. The book examines research terminology and common data collation methods, emphasising the importance of quality assurance. The author also discusses how contemporary STEM teaching examples, teacher roles and societal issues intersect.

If you are looking to find out more about how empirical teaching experience and theoretical frameworks can inform action research projects, in a book that cuts through the jargon, then look no further!»

(Joe Jackson-Taylor, Deputy Headteacher, Organiser, researchED Bournemouth)

The main premise of the book is to demystify research terminology for those teaching, and completing action research projects; in particular for trainee STEM teachers engaged in action research. Research terms such as systematic reviews, and meta-analysis will be explained in a simple manner, with solid links made with teaching and practice. The author found research terminology hard to decipher after a long gap from doing their undergraduate dissertation, and then doing their action research project for the postgraduate diploma in education and training. This book is written to support all researchers in the same position.

In the 101 action research guide, the real-life example of a STEM teacher action research project to improve literacy skills for STEM students in a FE setting, is used to promote the merits of action research in teaching. It is a must read for anyone, who hasn’t done a research project in a while to help them refamiliarise themselves with research terminology.

About the Author

Saba Ahmed is a lecturer teaching healthcare management and works as a dissertation supervisor. The author has a wealth of experience in supporting undergraduates with completing dissertation projects. Her main role is working as one of the Pharmacy Professional Development Leads, teaching on Biology, Microbiology and Healthcare modules. Occasionally, she locums as a pharmacist.