What will you find in this handbook?

There are three main parts to this source book. The first part describes action research as a type of practice-based research. It outlines two models which can be used in conducting an action research project and then discusses, in some detail, the major steps of identifying a problem, collecting and analyzing data and implementing an action strategy. The information highlighted in this section is an abridged version of the workshop content that was presented to the practitioner researchers in an early phase of the project.

The second part of the resource describes eight action research projects written up as case studies. This section provides the reader with a wide range of interesting projects from various workplace practice settings. These projects were conducted by the practitioner-researchers and include such topics as increasing learner motivation, adapting teaching styles and enhancing learning with the Internet. The case study write-ups serve to illustrate the actual process in conducting action research and provide good examples for critical reflection on findings that were used to solve common workplace program problems.

In the third part of the handbook, the reader will find the support information needed to carry out their own action research project. It begins with an annotated bibliography which includes some of the most relevant references on the subject of action research. The bibliography extends the information presented in the first section. Also included is a set of practical exercises that match the different steps in conducting a project which are detailed in the first section. These exercises were used by the practioner-researchers during their workshop training.