'How to' Run Action Research: Do it Yourself

National Foundation for Educational Research

12 November 2013

One of a series of Research in Schools ‘How to’ Guides, designed to help practitioners run research projects in education. To support schools in engaging with and running research, we have made our popular ‘How to’ Guides available to download free of charge.

Is your motivation in education based on a desire to improve things? Have you a situation you want to resolve but don't know where to start? Are you looking for results, but at the same time wanting to change practice?

Action research uses the investigation of a situation to get answers on how to improve things.

This simple, succinct, easy-to-read guide takes you through the four stages of using action research in an educational setting. Ideal for those who want a quick overview, it explains what is involved and warns of the the challenges involved in action research. It gives some suggestions of topics you could research as well as recommendations on how to share your results to best effect.

Written by NFER researchers this guide will ensure your action research is based on professional guidance.

This guide was published in 2013 and was correct at the time of publication. Users are encouraged to check for the latest advice on data protection with the provisions of the General Data Protection Regulation. For further information please visit the ICO website.