Skip to main content

Action Research in the Sri Lankan Education System : A Historical Perspective

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
The Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research
  • 3598 Accesses

Abstract

In this chapter, the author describes the history of educational action research in Sri Lanka. Because of the different levels of institutional support and different approaches taken, he presents the history of action research within institutional strands rather than in a strict chronological order. The different initiatives and projects described have varied based on institutional-driven school-based practitioner research and university-student-required action research . There also have been differences in the themes of the action research within the strands presented. The author calls for a re-introduction of a narrative tone and personal-professional reflection as an integral component of the action research activity. Strengthening action research culture in Sri Lanka will facilitate the grassroots base for educational policy formulation.

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

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 189.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book
USD 249.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alles, B. J. P., de Silva, A., Fernando, W. D., Sirisena, U. D. I., & Warnasuriya, W. M. A. (1967). Working paper: Action research pilot project for improvement of school practice through supervision and assessment of school performance. Ceylon: Division of Secondary Education, Ministry of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Anomadassi Thero, M., Kodituwakku , G., Perera, V. D. C. P., & Wattavidanage, J. (2010). Action research through the lens of Buddhism. Presentation at the 12th international conference on Sri Lankan Studies, 18th–20th March 2010, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and the Open University of Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asoka, G. H. (2007). Bilingual education: Teacher development manual, Part 1. Maharagama: Cell of Language Coordination, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asoka, G. H. (2009). Bilingual education: Teacher development manual, Part 2:111. Action research guide (for professional development of bilingual teachers). Maharagama: Cell of Language Coordination, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Asoka, G. H. (2010). Bilingual education: Teacher development manual, Part 2:1. Moderator’s guide. Maharagama: Cell of Language Coordination, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Bharathiratne Banda, D. M. I. (1998). Improving the effectiveness of learning. Galagedara (In Sinhala): Author Publication.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dayawathi, W. D. (2010). A profile of action research of a National College of Education in Sri Lanka. Action research in diverse contexts: Contemporary challenges. Presentation at annual CARN conference, 5–7 November 2010, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • de Silva, L. H. S. P. (1998). An action research program to improve literacy of school going age children who are not attending schools. MPhil thesis, University of Colombo (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Early Childhood Development and Primary Education. (2010). Action research for qualitative learning. Sponsored: UNICEF (In Sinhala & Tamil).

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Education, University of Peradeniya. (2007). School based teacher development programme. Retrieved from http://www.pdn.ac.lk/arts/education/Research.html, September 19, 2014.

  • Department of Education, University of Peradeniya. (2008). Action researches for improvement of quality learning in schools. Retrieved from http://www.pdn.ac.lk/arts/education/Research.html, September19, 2014.

  • Department of Education, University of Peradeniya. (2009). An action research study on professional development of beginning teachers for school improvement. Retrieved from http://www.pdn.ac.lk/arts/education/Research.html, September 19, 2014.

  • Ekanayake, S. B. (1993). Learning from the people: Strategy for development. Action research series 3. Maharagama: Non formal Education Department, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B. (1997). Managing innovations in education in developing countries. Journal of Rural Development and Administration, 29, 1–43.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, E. P. (2009). We, too, love to learn: Why not teach us too. What is to be done? Presentation at the annual CARN international conference. 30 October–1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B. (2013). Action research: Historical perspectives related to concepts and actions of AR activities undertaken by Dr. S.B. Ekanayake, 1968–2013 (Quoted from an Email to G. Kodituwakuu, NIE, Nov. 2, 2013).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B. (Ed.). (2014). School based action research for educational development. Kandy: Association for Educational Research and Development Sri Lanka (English version).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B., Kodituwakku, G., Meetalawa, K., Perera, R. C., & Thilakaratne Banda, D. M. (2014). School based action research for educational development. Kandy: Association for Educational Research and Development, Sri Lanka (Sinhala version).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B., & Kulatunge, J. A. K. (1992). Non formal education strategies for human resource development. Maharagama: Non formal Education Department, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ekanayake, S. B., Wijesooriya, H., & Dodantenna, M. (1990). Non formal education for human resource development: Action research project Ridimaliyadda (Action research series, Vol. 1). Maharagama: Non formal and Technology Unit: National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunawardena, G. B. (2009). New education act for general education in Sri Lanka: Context, issues and proposals-Final report. National Committee for Formulating a New Education Act for General Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Gunawardena, G. B., Kularatne , N. G., Galappatti, T. I., & Munasinghe, M. A. P. (1991). A study on the school experiences of primary teachers: Based on the teacher’s daily records. Maharagama: Department of Educational Research, National Institute of Education(In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Jayakodi, D. (2001). School and the failed child. Hadapangoda: Author Publication(In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kaluarachchi, D. S., & Weerasinghe, C. (2001). A study on the application of methodology of action research and reflective practice in the teacher training process at the National Colleges of Education. Colombo: National Authority on Teacher Education(In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G. (1996). Action research approach: Hints for professionals in the field of education. Nugegoda: Sunera Publications (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G. (2010). History of educational action research in education system in Sri Lanka (1967–2007). Presentation at the 12th international conference on Sri Lankan studies, 18th–20th March 2010, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and the Open University of Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., Anomadassi Thero, M., Perera, V. D. C. P., Dissanayake, N. D., Ratnayake, R. M. M. C., & Watagodakumbura, H. M. S. (2009). Symposium: Action research environment in Sri Lanka: Philosophical roots, country specific developmental patterns, and current practices. What is to be done? Presentation at the annual CARN international conference. 30 October–1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., & Dissanayake, N. D. (2009). Developed schools for principals or principals to develop schools. Abstracts: Faculty annual academic sessions-2009, Faculty of Education, Open University of Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., & Hettige, D. (2008a). Situational understanding will expand the horizon of curriculum implementation: Teacher creativity depicted as action research. Presentation at the sixth international conference on imagination and education, Canberra, Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., & Hettige, D. (2008b). Understanding myself and my clients in implementing curriculum: Master teacher role revisited. Presentation at sixth international conference on imagination and education, Canberra, Australia.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., & Hettige, D. (2012). Capacity building of educational personnel through action research and reflective practice: Four stories out of fifty from Sri Lankan teachers and in-service advisors. In G. Bagakis & S. Georgiadou (Eds.), (2012) Action research for improvement in schools, communities and organizational spaces. CARN BULLETIN 15: What is to be done? Didsbury, UK: The Collaborative Action Research Network, Manchester Metropolitan University.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., Madiwaka, I., Kaluarachchi, K. A. D., Gurusinghe, G. I., Dissanayake, K. H. M., & Jayamanna, C. K. (2001). Let us learn and achieve development through experiences: A study of reflective learning environment in a Sri Lankan school. Sri Lanka: National Authority on Teacher Education (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., Madiwaka, I., Kaluarachchi, K. A. D., Gurusinghe, G. I., Dissanayake, K. H. M., & Jayamanna, C. K. (2006).Let us learn and achieve development through experiences: A study of reflective learning environment in a Sri Lankan school. 10th anniversary international symposium, 4th–8th July 2006, proceedings. Belihuloya, Sri Lanka: Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., & Nihara, A. F. (2008). From classroom to activity room; From teacher to student. Presentation at the Asia-Pacific Educational Research Association (APERA) conference, Singapore.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kodituwakku, G., Rambukwella, M. L. K., & Dissanayake, N. D. (2006). Action research environment of school education in Sri Lanka. Maharagama: Dept. of Research and Development (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kudakatiyapege, C. R. (2007). Teacher and Master teacher action with reflection: Nourishing action research perspectives and environment in Sri Lanka. Action research beyond boarders and divides. Presentation at the annual CARN international conference, 9–11 November 2007, Sweden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kudakatiyapege, C. R., & Kodituwakku, G. (2007). Institutional action vs. individual action. Action research beyond boarders and divides. Presentation at the annual CARN international conference, 9–11 November 2007, Sweden.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kularatne, N. G., Dasanayake, S., Kodituwakku, G., & Peeris, A. K. (1992). Action research on planning and implementing school development plans. Maharagama: Educational Research Department, National institute of Education (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Kulathunga, J. A. K. (1995). Non formal education strategies for human resource development for Sri Lanka. Maharagama: Dept. of Non Formal Education, National Institute of Education.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lekamge, G. D. (2010). CARN study day presentation. Retrieved from http://www.esri.mmu.ac.uk/carnnew/studydays/2010/srilanka/report.pdf, September 19, 2014.

  • Ministry of Education. (1979). Administrative report of the director general of education, Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Education. (1986). Principal’s handbook for grade two and three schools. Battaramulla: Planning and Management Development unit.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Education. (2013). Instruction manual and circular on planning & procurement for school based qualitative, quantitative and structural development. Circular Number 07/2013. Battaramulla: Policy and Planning Branch.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ministry of Education. (2014). Action research. Battaramulla: Primary Unit and Research and Development Unit of MoE.

    Google Scholar 

  • Nellihela, V. (2009). They would teach any subject irrespective of their appointment. What is to be done? Presentation at the annual CARN international conference, 30 October–1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perera, V. D. C. P. (2009). Action research journey via the TESOL course. What is to be done? Presentation at the annual CARN international conference, 30 October–1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Perera, W. V. J., Perera, V. D. C. P., & Kodituwakku, G. (2011). Characteristic features of modern action research in Buddhism. Bringing a different world into existence: Action research as a trigger for innovations. Presentation at the CARN conference, 4–6 November 2011, Vienna, Austria.

    Google Scholar 

  • Primary Mathematics Unit. (2004). Action research in primary mathematics: A collection of action research studies conducted by Sri Lankan teachers and guided by Sri Lankan educationists. Maharagama: Funded by the Department of International Development, UK; Managed by Cambridge Education, UK; Developed by the Primary Mathematics Unit; in collaboration with the Research Unit and Primary Unit, National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Primary Mathematics Unit & National Institute of Education. (2003). Guidance on action research: A workshop programme. Maharagama: Funded by the Department of International Development, UK; Managed by Cambridge Education, UK; Developed by the Primary Mathematics Unit; in collaboration with the Research Unit and Primary Unit, National Institute of Education, Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Provincial Department of North Western Province. (2013). The third eye (In Sinhala and English).

    Google Scholar 

  • Provincial Department of North Western Province. (2014). The third eye (In Sinhala and English).

    Google Scholar 

  • Rambukwella, L. K., & Gunathilake, A. M. D. W. (2012). Action research: Theory and practice. Kandy: Author Publication (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Ratnayake, R. M. M. C. (2009). Let’s learn from the children. What is to be done? Presentation at the 33rd CARN international conference, 30 October–1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Samarawickrama, Y. (2014). Hope: How do I lead my children to do their studies with a purpose? Presentation at CARN conference 2014, Gateshead, UK.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shanmuganesan, K. (1998). Collaborative reflections on incidents [that] occurred in a plantation Tamil school. Maharagama: Department of Research.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sunil, S. A. (2005). Action research (for primary classes). Maharagama: Department of Special Education, National Institute of Education and Dharmapala Primary School, Sri Lanka (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thanaraj, T. (2005). Action research: An introduction. Colombo: Kumaran Book House (In Tamil).

    Google Scholar 

  • The Teacher In-service Project, Kandy (Provincial Department of Education), Central Province. (Year not cited). School based action research: Teacher training manual.

    Google Scholar 

  • The Udubaddawa Education Division. (2014). Action research done by primary teachers in Udubaddawa. Report of The Udubaddawa Education Division (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Vithanapathirana, M. V. (2004). Action research intervention for teaching of primary mathematics in multigrade settings. Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science. Proceedings of the 60th Annual Session.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vithanapathirana, M. V. (2008). Improving multigrade teaching in Sri Lanka: Action research with teachers in rural Sri Lanka. PhD thesis, Institute of Education (IOE), University of London.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vithanapathirana, M. V. (2010). CARN study day presentation. Retrieved from http://www.esri.mmu.ac.uk/carnnew/studydays/2010/srilanka/report.pdf. Retrieved September 19, 2014.

  • Wasalamudali, H., & Kodituwakku, G. (2010). From graciousness to excellence. 12th international conference on Sri Lankan studies, 18th–20th March 2010, The Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka and the Open University of Sri Lanka.

    Google Scholar 

  • Watagodakumbura, H. M. S. (2009). Awakening. Action research for improvement in schools, communities and organizational spaces. What is to be done? Presentation at the 33rd CARN international conference, 30 October-1 November 2009, Athens, Greece.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weber, M., Winter, J., & Thoradeniya, S. B. (2001). The professional development of mathematics teacher educators in Sri Lanka: Self evaluation through action research. Occasional papers in educational evaluation. University of Bristol and Cambridge Education Consultants.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weerakoon, W. M. K. (2002). Action research on implementation of the concept of inclusive education. Maharagama: Research Unit, National Institute of Education (In Sinhala).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wijayakoon, W. M. C. (Ed.) (2011/2012). Sunrays are soft: A collection of action research reports. Nikaweratiya: Teacher Center (In Sinhala & English).

    Google Scholar 

  • Wijesundara, S. (2002). School improvement: an action-based case study conducted in a disadvantaged school in Sri Lanka. Educational Action Research, 10(2), 169–187.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Copyright information

© 2017 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Kodituwakku, G. (2017). Action Research in the Sri Lankan Education System : A Historical Perspective. In: Rowell, L., Bruce, C., Shosh, J., Riel, M. (eds) The Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4_18

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4_18

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-44108-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-40523-4

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics