One of the requirements under the Results Based Performance Management System (RPMS) is the conduct of Action Research.  The RPMS is an assessment tool on the performance of teachers on different domains; the classroom management, the content of the lesson, the instruction strategies, methods, techniques and approaches.  The learning styles of students as well as the teaching styles of teachers.  Even the classroom environment is being assessed, the light, the sound, the temperature and of course the behavior of the students.  The instruction and the instructional materials are also being observed.  But these are not enough to say that you have performed well as a classroom teacher.  You will not have an impressive performance ,if you will not be able to conduct at least one action research  and  2 or three articles about education.

           Many teachers wants to conduct or investigate a problem in their classrooms, howeverone of the teachers’ problems is the conduct of an action research.  According to Sagor (2004), action research is a tool that is used to help teachers and other educators uncover strategies to improve teaching practices.  It is a viable and realistic endeavor for all educators.  It requires teachers to design a study in an area of interest that they would like to carry out in their classrooms or schools.  Teachers must put in mind that action research investigates everyday problems experienced by teachers.  All they need is a general idea that something might be improved. They can start their study by analyzing these points:

• I want to get better at my teaching
• I’m not sure why my students don’t engage in discussion.
• I have to implement the speaking and listening guidelines, but I’m not sure of the best way.
• I’ve seen something working well in school X; I wonder if it would work for me?
• Is there something we can do about our poor take-up of A level mathematics

As its name suggests, action research concerns actors.  Those people carrying out their professional action from day to day- and its purpose is -to understand and improve these actions. For the initial move in planning to conduct an action research the following are some questions that could help you start your study.

1. What is your concern?
2. Why are you concerned/
3. What do you think you could do about it/
4. What kind of evidence could you collect to help you make some judgment about what is happening?
5. How would you like such evidence?
6. How would you check that your Action Research about what has happened is reasonable, fair and accurate?

References:

Elliot, J. Action Research For Educational Change, Buckingham, Open University Press.(1991)

By: Marife D Guanzon | Teacher 1 | Balanga Elementary School | Balanga City, Bataan