Skip to main content
Log in

The perspectives of lecturers on the action research journey in the Mathematics and Science Department of Singapore Polytechnic

  • Published:
Educational Research for Policy and Practice Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The goal of this research was to understand the various aspects of the action research initiative in the Department of Mathematics and Science, Singapore Polytechnic. A total of 55 lecturers took part in this study and data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires, informal conversations with the lecturers, observations of their behaviours in action research processes and evaluation of their action research reports. Statistical methods and grounded theory were used in the analysis. Statistical analysis showed that the lecturers generally perceive that action research is useful in teaching and learning. The core category of ‘Taking personal and professional ownership in action research’ was formed through grounded theory analysis. Through addressing the various sub-categories in the core category of ‘Taking personal and professional ownership in action research’, a number of recommendations to improve the current situation of action research implementation in the department were proposed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Borg S. (2002) Research in the lives of TESOL professionals. TESOL Matters 13(1): 1–5

    Google Scholar 

  • Burns A. (2005) Action research: An evolving paradigm?. Language Teaching 38: 57–74

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Calhoun E. (1994) How to use action research in the self-renewing school?. Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, Alexandria

    Google Scholar 

  • Carr W., Kemmis S. (1986) Becoming critical: Education, knowledge and action research. Falmer Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Cochran-Smith M., Lytle S. (1990) Research on teaching and teacher research. Educational Researcher 19(2): 2–11

    Google Scholar 

  • Cochran-Smith M., Lytle S. (1993) Inside/outside: Teacher research and knowledge. Teachers College Press, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Glaser B.G., Strauss A. (1967) The discovery of grounded theory. Aldine, Chicago

    Google Scholar 

  • Goodnough K. (2008) Dealing with messiness and uncertainty in practitioner research: The nature of participatory action research. Canadian Journal of Education 31(2): 431–458

    Google Scholar 

  • Grbich C. (1999) Qualitative research in health. Allen & Unwin, Sydney

    Google Scholar 

  • Greenbank P. (2007) Utilising collaborative forms of educational action research: Some reflections. Journal of Further and Higher Education 31(2): 97–108

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hollingsworth S. (1996) Repositioning the teacher in US schools and society: Feminist readings of action research. In: O’Hanlon C. (Ed.) Professional development through action research in education settings. Falmer Press, London, pp 19–42

    Google Scholar 

  • Hursh D. (1995) Developing discourses and structures to support action research for education reform. In: Noffke S., Stevenson R. (eds) Educational action research: Becoming practically critical. Teachers College Press, New York, pp 141–153

    Google Scholar 

  • Jones J. (2004) The many benefits of a research component in English language teacher education: A ‘case study’. Prospect 19(2): 25–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Kemmis S. (2001) Exploring the relevance of critical theory for action research: Emancipator action research in the footsteps of Jurgen Habbermas. In: Reason P., Bradbury H. (eds) Action research—participative inquiry and practice. Sage, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Kemmis, S., McTaggart, R. (eds) (1988) The action research planner. Deakin University Press, Geelong

    Google Scholar 

  • Rainey I. (2000) Action research and the English as a foreign language practitioner: Time to take stock. Educational Action Research 8(1): 65–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rearick M., Feldman A. (1999) Orientations, purposes and reflection: A framework for understanding action research. Teaching and Teacher Education 15(4): 333–349

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sardo-Brown D., Welsh L., Bolton D.L. (1995) Practical strategies for facilitating classroom teachers’ involvement in action research. Education. Chula Vista 115(4): 553

    Google Scholar 

  • Schratz M. (1993) Crossing the disciplinary boundaries: Professional development through action research in higher education. Higher Education Research and Development 12(2): 131–142

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Strauss A., Corbin J. (1998) Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory procedures and techniques (2nd ed.). Sage, Newbury Park

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallace M. (1991) Training foreign language teachers. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells G. (1994) Changing schools from within: Creating communities of inquiry. Heinemann, Portsmouth, NH

    Google Scholar 

  • Whitehead J. (1993) The growth of education knowledge: Creating your own living education theory. Hyde, Bournemouth

    Google Scholar 

  • Zuber-Skerritt O. (1993) Improving learning and teaching through action learning and action research. Higher Education Research and Development 12(1): 45–58

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Henry Khiat.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Khiat, H., Chia, H.T., Tan-Yeoh, A.C. et al. The perspectives of lecturers on the action research journey in the Mathematics and Science Department of Singapore Polytechnic. Educ Res Policy Prac 10, 29–52 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-010-9092-3

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10671-010-9092-3

Keywords

Navigation