Originally conceived as an approach to developing social relations between groups of individuals, to promote communication and collaboration, action research can be described as a way to change a social practice, such as teaching or learning.  In this module, we explore action research with the aim of helping practitioners, such as teachers and educators, understand and develop their own practice.

You will consider a specific area of your practice, whether that be an element of your teaching you would like to develop, or a wider focus such as diversifying your curriculum, then engage with research literature to identify possible solutions. You will also consider how you could involve your students in the research process, to develop a more sustainable and justifiable practice for everyone involved.  

As action research is frequently viewed as a research methodology, you will also learn about different research methods that you could use to investigate the results of any changes you consider making, and consider the ethical implications that might arise from your research.   

Although you will not carry out any research as part of this module, assessment takes the form of a research proposal, so if you are completing a dissertation or report as part of your studies, writing a research proposal will be a valuable experience. 

The module is taught online, with optional synchronous tutorials that take place throughout the term. It will run in either the Autumn Term 2022 or Summer Term 2023. It complements the common core module Understanding Research of the MA Education programme, but the knowledge you will gain from this module can be taken before, after, or at the same time as Understanding Research. Ideally, you will also have some prior experience of working in an educational setting. 

The module belongs to the MA Advanced Educational Practice, MA Education (Advanced Practice) and the Graduate Diploma in Advanced Educational Practice programmes. Contact ioe.aep@ucl.ac.uk for further information.