Action Research: Improving Schools and Empowering Educators, Fourth Edition (2014) by Craig A. Mertler

Although action research has become one of the major methods employed in educational research, there has always been a scarcity of solid informational textbooks and journal articles outlining and giving in-depth information about this trendy research methodology.However, it is a well-accepted research methodology and has become one of the most critical research approaches that can be used by educators in order to improve their knowledge and practices (Tekin & Kotaman, 2013).Therefore, it is considered a method of inquiry especially suitable for practicing teachers.Today's teachers are not only expected to teach students but also to act in many areas related to education.They are burdened with many responsibilities such as administrative tasks, advocacy for children, and fundraising.Beyond these duties, teachers have been increasingly seen as researchers as they are expected to constantly improve their teaching practices for the benefit of children's education.Therefore, action research provides them with a methodology they can use while they are working on their regular duties as it is a practical approach conducted with a focus on the teaching and learning process.They can blend research and practice since the researchers draw their findings and conclusions predominantly on their own experiences and observations from their practices.As the author states, "A main focus of action research is the improvement of classroom practice" (p.23).Therefore, this research experience can contribute to teachers' own and other teachers' practices when they design and revise curriculum.It can also help them make the whole educational process more meaningful for themselves, students, and the school community.The author also identifies clear pathways that have the potential to improve teachers' practices, such as systematic reflections about how teachers would improve their practices with action research methodology.Any research approach excluding the related practitioners' perspectives and contributions should not be seen as a complete process since it is the practitioners who are expected to apply the implications and suggestions drawn by the studies.Action research methodology provides these opportunities and fills a huge gap that needs attention in educational research.To benefit from this experiential methodology, teachers should understand the action research approach.Action research books currently on the market contain too much theoretical information and have a philosophical background, which makes it hard for a practicing teacher to understand.They also provide too few meaningful examples.Most books about action research also suffer from a lack of good quality organization, which can make curious future

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