Action Research Project

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An Action Research Project enables teachers to undertake small-scale classroom-based action research which will impact on their own practice as a teacher.

Action research is a term used to describe professionals studying their own practice in order to improve it. When applied to teaching it involves evaluating the impact of one or more interventions which aim to meet the challenges set by an identified problem. This funding provides an opportunity for teachers to experiment with new and innovative approaches whilst being supported by a mentor.

 

 

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The Action Research Project provides support for teachers to undertake action research which should enable them to develop skills such as evaluating their own practice and work, planning a research project, gathering, comparing and interpreting appropriate data and applying the outcomes of their action research.

Teachers should look to address issues unique to their own context or practice. Other types of educational research such as research on subject content, examining whole school concerns or as part of LEA initiatives are not eligible under this category.

The action research must be conducted within a financial year.

PLEASE NOTE - Applications for Action Research Projects will need to be submitted by 1st June 2009. Applications received after this date will not be considered for funding.

Funding for these grants will cover activities taking place during the autumn and spring terms only.

The number of Action Research Projects allocated will be limited to a maximum of two per ‘host’ organisation.

Eligible activities

The Council will fund action research projects that are relevant to an applicant’s practice in the classroom or role in the school. Examples of suitable research might include:

  • comparing the effectiveness of different teaching techniques to deliver a topic by dividing a class into two groups to give comparable samples and teaching each in different ways.
  • modifying behaviour in a class with different reward systems and evaluating success.
  • examining the effect of a new curriculum on a disaffected group.

This is clearly not an exhaustive list and applications for action research in other areas are encouraged. However, applicants are advised that applications must involve new research and should not repeat previous research. Examples of previous activities undertaken by teachers may be found on the Council’s website here

Mentor support

Each participating teacher is required to arrange support from a mentor from an appropriate organisation such as a Higher Education Institution, subject association, Local Education Authority, advisory service or research body.

  • The mentor should have the necessary professional skills and qualifications to assist the teacher to plan the action research, provide support as required during the period and assist in analysing data and reaching conclusions.
  • The extent of support required from the mentor will be at the teacher’s discretion and will vary from individual to individual; however, a teacher should not work in isolation from the mentor.

Eligible expenditure

Action Research Projects up to the value of £1,500 will be available, however, not all applicants will require the full amount.

There are three categories of eligible expenditure:

  • to provide supply cover for the teacher to undertake the research Teachers should show, in their planning, how each day requested will be used.
  • for mentor support for activities such as:
    • developing a sound detailed research methodology.
    • tutoring in research design methods and data collection.
    • on-going mentoring advice.
    • support for completion of the research enquiry.
    • assistance with the evaluation report
      This aspect will not normally be more than 25% of the total grant ie £375.
  • to cover other incurred costs such as:
    • consumable costs of photocopying, postage, etc.
    • travel costs.
    • access to library, journals, other research materials.
    • supporting materials and equipment e.g. software but not hardware.
    • childcare costs above those normally incurret

Non eligible expenditure

  • Undertaking short courses or international visits.
  • Projects where the research is restricted to evaluating the impact of resources.
  • Projects where the research extends across a whole school or department.
  • Course fees where a mentor does not specifically assist the teacher as stated above.
  • See also the list of non eligible expenditure on page 6 of the CPD Information Booklet 2009-2010
Applications must be accompanied by a supporting form 2b from the mentor.For further information on undertaking an action research project please contact the CPD Team at the Council on 029 2055 0350 or by e-mail to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it