5.2. The action research task

The Action research task has been included within this module to provide an opportunity for you to investigate in further detail an area of interest you have developed. The research task must enable you to

• Demonstrate that you have engaged in enhanced, significant and sustained professional learning
• Outline how your chosen area of practitioner research has been supported by relevant research, literature, policy and practice
• Provide evidence of how this learning has impacted on your skills and abilities, and on learners and learning
• Provide evidence of how you will share your knowledge, experience and learning with others in your learning community
• Provide evidence of how you have taken forward the knowledge and learning from completing the 3 modules and the practiser research task
• Provide evidence of your professional discussions with your line managers and colleagues and how these discussions shaped your thinking and practice

As you have worked through the 3 modules you may have already decided what to focus your action research on. We have made some suggestions below in case you are not sure.

• The definition/definitions your local authority uses for the identification of dyslexia –incorporating why the local authority choose the particular definition, the impact of the chosen definition, the identification process and data.
• The identification process of dyslexia – focusing on case studies
• Numeracy, math and dyslexia
• Language development and dyslexia
• Acquisition of reading skills and dyslexia
• Developing an inclusive school community
• Curriculum accessibility

Consider your use of methodology, for example include case studies and opportunities together with stakeholders’ views (this may include interviews, observations and surveys). Electronic surveys can be very useful as they save time and can collate responses.

An action research template [Tip: hold Ctrl and click a link to open it in a new tab. (Hide tip)]   has been provided as an example. However, you may wish to use your own format.