Learning about Action Research

Action Research is a methodology that allows you to investigate educational practices as you engage in them (praxis).

There are several ways to help you get acquainted with this methodology in the context of educational scholarship. As a first step, you can self-enrol in our QMplus course Starting your scholarship journey with Action Research.

Action Research plays a large part in the Postgraduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) offered through the Taught Programmes team. You can learn more about that from the PGCAP web page.

You can contact the Queen Mary Academy to arrange for a workshop on Action Research for your team or explore some of the resources below.

• Arnold, L. and Norton, L. (2018) HEA Action Research: Practice Guide. York: Higher Education Academy. Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledgehub/action-research-practice-guide
• Arnold, L. and Norton, L. (2018) HEA action research: sector case studies. York: Higher Education Academy. Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/heaaction-research-sector-case-studies
• Arnold, L. (2015) Action research for higher education practitioners: A practical guide. Available at: https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/knowledge-hub/action-research-practiceguide
• Koshy, V. (2010) Action Research for improving educational practice (2nd edition). London: Sage. 
• McNiff, J. (2010) Action Research for professional development. Dorset: September Books. Stringer, E. (2014) Action Research (4th edition). London: Sage. 
• McNiff, J. (2017) Action research: all you need to know. London: Sage. McNiff, J. (2016) You and your action research project (4th Ed.). Abingdon: Routledge. 
• McNiff, J. and Whitehead, J. (2006) All you need to know about Action Research. London: Sage. 
• Norton, L. (2009) Action Research in Teaching and Learning. A practical guide to conducting pedagogical research in universities. Abingdon: Routledge