How to Write an Action Research (Step-by-Step Guide for Undergraduate Students)
What is Action Research?
Action Research is a systematic investigation conducted by a teacher, lecturer, or practitioner to solve an immediate problem in a classroom, school, or workplace. It follows a cycle of identifying a problem, implementing an intervention, collecting data, and evaluating the results.
Definition
According to Kurt Lewin, Action Research is a reflective process through which practitioners seek to improve their practices by studying their own situations.
Structure of an Action Research
Most universities and colleges use the following five-chapter format:
Chapter One: Introduction
Chapter Two: Review of Related Literature
Chapter Three: Methodology
Chapter Four: Data Analysis and Discussion
Chapter Five: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
STEP 1: Identify a Problem
Observe a challenge in your classroom or workplace.
Examples
- Learners cannot read fluently.
- Pupils perform poorly in Mathematics.
- Students are unable to write complete sentences.
- Learners show little interest in Science lessons.
Example Problem
"Many Basic 4 pupils in ABC Primary School are unable to read simple passages fluently."
STEP 2: Formulate the Research Topic
The topic should indicate the problem and intervention.
Formula
Effect of (Intervention) on (Problem)
Examples
- Improving Reading Fluency Through Phonics Instruction Among Basic Four Pupils.
- Using Flashcards to Improve Vocabulary Acquisition Among KG Learners.
- Improving Pupils' Multiplication Skills Through the Use of Number Games.
STEP 3: Write Chapter One
1.1 Background of the Study
Explain:
- What the issue is.
- Why it is important.
- What previous studies say.
- Why action is needed.
Example
Reading is a fundamental skill that supports learning across all subjects. However, many pupils in Basic Four at ABC Primary School struggle to read fluently, affecting their academic performance.
1.2 Statement of the Problem
Describe the exact problem.
Example
During classroom observations and assessment exercises, it was found that 15 out of 25 pupils could not read a simple passage fluently. This negatively affected their understanding of classroom lessons.
1.3 Purpose of the Study
Example
The purpose of this study was to improve the reading fluency of Basic Four pupils through the use of phonics instruction.
1.4 Research Questions
Examples:
- What factors contribute to poor reading fluency among Basic Four pupils?
- How can phonics instruction improve reading fluency?
- To what extent will pupils' reading fluency improve after the intervention?
1.5 Significance of the Study
State who will benefit:
- Pupils
- Teachers
- Headteachers
- Parents
- Future researchers
1.6 Delimitation
Define the scope.
Example
The study focused on Basic Four pupils of ABC Primary School during the 2025/2026 academic year.
STEP 4: Write Chapter Two (Literature Review)
Review previous studies and theories.
Components
Conceptual Review
Explain key concepts.
Example:
- Reading
- Reading Fluency
- Phonics Instruction
Theoretical Review
Use relevant theories.
Example:
- Constructivist Theory
- Behaviorist Theory
Empirical Review
Discuss previous studies conducted by researchers.
Example
Research by Jeanne Chall found that systematic phonics instruction significantly improves reading performance among early-grade learners.
STEP 5: Write Chapter Three (Methodology)
Research Design
Action Research Design
Example
The study employed Action Research because it aimed at solving an immediate classroom problem.
Population
Total number of participants.
Example:
25 Basic Four pupils.
Sample and Sampling Technique
Example:
15 pupils were purposively selected because they demonstrated reading difficulties.
Research Instruments
Examples:
- Observation Checklist
- Interview Guide
- Reading Test
- Questionnaire
Pre-Intervention Data Collection
Collect baseline information before intervention.
Example
Administer a reading test to determine pupils' current reading levels.
STEP 6: Analyze Causes of the Problem
Identify factors contributing to the problem.
Example Findings
- Poor letter recognition.
- Lack of reading materials.
- Limited parental support.
- Inadequate phonics instruction.
STEP 7: Design the Intervention
The intervention is the solution you introduce.
Example
Use:
- Phonics lessons
- Reading cards
- Word games
- Guided reading activities
Intervention Plan Table
| Week | Activity |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Letter sound recognition |
| Week 2 | Blending sounds |
| Week 3 | Word reading practice |
| Week 4 | Passage reading |
STEP 8: Implement the Intervention
Carry out the activities.
Record:
- Dates
- Activities
- Attendance
- Observations
STEP 9: Post-Intervention Data Collection
Administer the same test used before the intervention.
Example
Conduct another reading assessment after four weeks.
STEP 10: Analyze and Present Data (Chapter Four)
Compare pre-test and post-test results.
Example Table
| Test | Mean Score |
|---|---|
| Pre-test | 35% |
| Post-test | 75% |
Interpretation
The intervention improved pupils' reading fluency by 40 percentage points.
STEP 11: Write Chapter Five
Summary of Findings
Briefly summarize key results.
Example
The study revealed that phonics instruction significantly improved reading fluency among pupils.
Conclusions
State what the findings mean.
Example
Phonics instruction is an effective strategy for improving reading fluency.
Recommendations
Examples:
- Teachers should use phonics regularly.
- Schools should provide reading materials.
- Parents should support reading at home.
References
Use the referencing style required by your institution (APA 7th Edition is commonly used).
Example
Chall, J. S. (1983). Stages of Reading Development. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Lewin, K. (1946). Action Research and Minority Problems. Journal of Social Issues, 2(4), 34–46.
Simple Action Research Cycle
Identify Problem → Collect Baseline Data → Plan Intervention → Implement Intervention → Collect New Data → Analyze Results → Reflect and Improve Practice
This cycle is what makes Action Research different from other forms of educational research because its primary purpose is to solve a practical problem while improving teaching and learning.
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