Action research (2cr)

Objective

Students will learn to look at practical development undertakings from the perspective of action research. They will recognize situations for which action research might be applicable. They will recognize various developer roles and learn to function in these roles. Students will have an overview of the action research process and they will know how to define and formulate a viable development project. They will learn some methods for action research and learn to use, analyze and report on the results of action research carried out by others. They will be capable of applying the action research method or action research perspective in their thesis.

Content

- Formulating a research question
? Developer and researcher roles
- The process of action research
- Methods in action research and data that can be collected by using them
- Ways to analyze data in action research
- Conclusions, evaluation and report

Qualifications

No previous studies are required.

Assessment criteria, satisfactory (1)

Grade 1-2:
Students demonstrate that they understand the principles of action research.
Grade 3-4:
In addition to previous requirements, students recognize similarities and differences between action research and other types of research. They are able to plan and implement a small scale action research project.
Grade 5:
In addition to the requirements above, students are able to critically evaluate various action research approaches and the research process.

Materials

- Toiminnasta tietoon: toimintatutkimuksen menetelmät ja lähestymistavat. Kansanvalistusseura.

Teaching methods

Lectures, independent study, group work, exam.

Further information

Alternatively, this course can be undertaken independently as a Web-based course.