Action Research Approach Research Articles

Teacher’s Practice in Digital Inquiry-based Science Learning in a Primary School

Abstract This study aimed to explore the implementation of digital inquiry-based science learning in a rural primary school classroom in Melaka, Malaysia. The participants were eight Year 4 pupils (10–11 years old). Using a classroom action research approach, the study utilized two action research cycles using the bscs 5E Instructional Model to create lesson plans. The study’s findings reveal that effective digital inquiry-based science learning development in primary schools requires activities that align with and harness pupils’ prior knowledge, cross-curricular applications, differentiated learning, inquiry scaffolding, technological scaffolding, pupils’ technological skills, independent learning, learning by doing, and the opportunity to make connections, express ideas and report discoveries. The study illustrates that digital inquiry-based science learning is well-suited for practice in primary schools, enhancing both teachers’ pedagogical approaches and pupils’ conceptual understanding.

Improving Students' Listening Skills through Note-taking Exercise Strategies in SMK Muhammadiyah 2 Bontoala

This research focuses on efforts to improve students' listening skills through the application of note-taking practice strategies. The focus of this study is to explore how note-taking strategies can help students in understanding and organizing information from listening material delivered orally. The purpose of this study is to find out how effective the note-taking strategy is in improving students' listening skills. This research was carried out using the Classroom Action Research (PTK) approach which was carried out in two cycles. The instrument used in this study is a listening test designed to measure students' listening ability before and after the implementation of note-taking strategies. The results showed a significant improvement in students' listening skills after the implementation of the note-taking strategy. In the first cycle, the average listening score of students increased from 45.00% to 56.00%, while in the second cycle the average score increased further to 66.97%. These findings indicate that note-taking strategies are effective in improving students' ability to absorb and understand information conveyed orally. Thus, this study concludes that note-taking strategies are an effective method to improve students' listening skills and can be implemented in United Kingdom language learning to help students develop better listening skills.

Vertically integrated project: uniting teaching, research, and community in favor of sustainability

Purpose Higher education institutions (HEIs) are crucial in sustainable development. To this end, they must infuse sustainability into all their endeavors. This study aims to delve into the unique vertically integrated project (VIP), a project-based learning approach and its impact on students’ skills and the surrounding community. Design/methodology/approach The research design was collaborative, reflecting the spirit of the VIP. Step 1 involved an action research approach, where students and instructors worked closely with municipal representatives to identify challenges and devise solutions for local economic development. In Step 2, students' voices were heard through a survey. Step 3 encompassed presentations in scientific and nonscientific events, capturing the community’s perception as a valuable feedback loop. Findings The authors identified the most effective policies implemented by municipalities that excelled in indices related to the business environment. VIP enhanced students’ soft skills, including critical thinking, teamwork and community spirit. The outcomes of the VIP were effective in identifying public policies aimed at social transformation. Practical implications This study’s findings offer significant insights for HEI managers, guiding them in adopting interdisciplinary pedagogical practices. These practices, in turn, foster sustainable development within both internal and external communities. Furthermore, the empirical study’s focus on improving local community governance can potentially enhance the local business environment. Originality/value Literature emphasizing the social dimension of sustainability in HEIs is scarce, particularly those practices related to teaching, research and extension linked to projects aimed at community sustainability. This study introduces interdisciplinary practices encouraging student involvement in addressing tangible issues and searching for solutions to community problems.

The impact of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response: an action research study

IntroductionHospitals as the main providers of healthcare services play an essential role in the management of disasters and emergencies. Nurses are one of the important and influential elements in increasing the surge capacity of hospitals. Accordingly, the present study aimed to assess the effect of surge capacity enhancement training for nursing managers on hospital disaster preparedness and response.MethodsAll nursing managers employed at Motahari Hospital in Tehran took part in this interventional pre- and post-test action research study. Ultimately, a total of 20 nursing managers were chosen through a census method and underwent training in hospital capacity fluctuations. The Iranian version of the “Hospital Emergency Response Checklist” was used to measure hospital disaster preparedness and response before and after the intervention.ResultsThe overall hospital disaster preparedness and response score was 184 (medium level) before the intervention and 216 (high level) after the intervention. The intervention was effective in improving the dimensions of hospital disaster preparedness, including “command and control”, “triage”, “human resources”, “communication”, “surge capacity”, “logistics and supply”, “safety and security”, and “recovery”, but had not much impact on the “continuity of essential services” component.ConclusionThe research demonstrated that enhancing the disaster preparedness of hospitals can be achieved by training nursing managers using an action research approach. Encouraging their active participation in identifying deficiencies, problems, and weaknesses related to surge capacity, and promoting the adoption and implementation of suitable strategies, can enhance overall hospital disaster preparedness.

Exploring the role of an initiator in a population health management initiative: insights from action research

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present the learnings of a broker organization that started a new Population Health Management initiative in two regions in the Netherlands. The research focusses on the role of the broker organization itself in supporting stakeholders in the region to adopt a new implementation strategy designed by the broker organisation itself. The basis of this model was to organize, finance and monitor differently to improve the overall health of the population.Design/methodology/approachAn action research approach was chosen to support the endeavours of the broker organization and to acquire practical knowledge on the role of a third-party in PHM implementation. Qualitative data were collected from documentary analysis, focus groups, logbooks and observational data from team meetings.FindingsThe main result is that the role of the broker organization to implement PHM was subject to change during the more than two years of the research. Several themes emerged that influenced these role changes, both internal and external, showing the complexity of providing PHM implementation support as a third-party to regional stakeholders.Practical implicationsWe hypothesize that the role of a third-party changes depending on the maturity of the regional collaboration. The complexity of the transition in healthcare calls for constant adaptations, and thus learning and reflection, from all involved. Action research is a strong tool for this.Originality/valueThis paper is one of the first to report on the role of a third-party in PHM implementation. The action research methodology offered the right amount of flexibility to adhere to the complexity of the context and provided rich insights.

UPAYA MENINGKATKAN KREATIVITAS DAN HASIL BELAJAR SISWA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROJECT BASED LEARNING KELAS V SDN UNGGULAN I PULAU MOROTAI

This research aims to increase student creativity and learning outcomes using the Project Based Learning Model for Class VB SDN Unggulan I Morotai Island. This research uses a classroom action research approach. The data collected in this research is descriptive, namely describing each stage (cycle) carried out. The research results show that the use of the Project Based Learning model for class VB students at SDN Unggulan I Morotai Island can increase student creativity and learning outcomes. The research results showed that students experienced increased creativity and learning outcomes using the Project Based Learning learning model that was applied. In cycle I, it is known that there were 13 students (44.82%) who were declared complete, while the remaining 16 students (55.17%) had not yet achieved completeness out of a total of 29 students. However, in cycle II there was an increase in scores above the average (>70) or it was known that 26 students (89.65%) were declared complete, while it was known that the number of students who had not achieved completeness was 3 students (10.34%) out of a total of 29 student.

Unveiling injustice: Disrupting child removal policies and upholding breastfeeding: An emancipatory framework.

Before colonization, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities had nurturing, holistic, and communitarian approaches that promoted extended and healthy lives for their children. Colonization, marked by policies of genocide and assimilation, has resulted in an alarming overrepresentation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under the care of child protection agencies, resulting in compromised health outcomes and reduced life expectancies. We are conducting a study designed to enhance positive developmental outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by articulating and enabling the rights of mothers and children to breastfeed in the context of a child protection intervention and child removal. To understand and address this problem, it is critical to implement culturally safe, de-colonized, emancipatory research that is guided by and benefits Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This article presents an emancipatory framework that we are applying to our study using an Aboriginal participatory action research approach, that serves as a guide for non-Indigenous researchers seeking to conduct research with Indigenous communities. We emphasize the importance of incorporating an Aboriginal participatory action research framework, using community consultation and codesign; culturally secure data collection methods, and paying attention to Indigenous data sovereignty. Developing trusting respectful relationships is conducive to knowledge acquisition, exchange, and use, when research approaches deeply rooted in community involvement are applied. A call to action by the critical midwifery studies collective, urges non-Indigenous researchers to become accountable allies that demonstrates respect for community leadership while actively striving to ensure research does not perpetuate further harm, and produces effective change. This article provides an overview of ways to conduct ethical emancipatory research with Indigenous participants, that is, of benefit to midwifery practitioners and is applicable to many areas of research, policy, and practice.

Google Site Training Assistance for Rich and Renewable Learning Resources for SMAN 1 Driyorejo Gresik

In the digital era, schools must continue improving teacher skills in dealing with technological developments. Google Sites training is one solution to develop teachers' abilities in utilizing and deepening their understanding of technology as a modern learning medium. This service aims to increase the use of Google Sites as an educational tool and create a deeper understanding of technology's potential and benefits in modern education. The service method of the training was carried out through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach by emphasizing the active role of participants during the training. The results of teacher service can be implemented through Google Sites as a modern and adaptive learning medium. This platform can allow teachers to create interesting teaching materials with various features, such as the use of images and flexibility in creating content anytime and anywhere. The conclusion of this training improves the quality of learning in the classroom and helps teachers prepare students to face challenges in the digital era. Overall, this training went well and positively impacted teachers' abilities to create up-to-date and effective learning media by the demands of the times.

Using Memrise as a Technology-Based Learning Media in Improving Students' Speaking Skills

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of using technology-based learning platforms, especially Memrise, to improve students' speaking skills. At a time when technology continues to develop rapidly, the use of digital learning platforms is becoming increasingly important in efforts to improve student learning outcomes. This study involved students as participants in a learning environment to conduct experiments using Memrise as a learning medium to develop speaking skills. This study applies a class action research approach with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out through observation, interviews, and documentation review of the learning activities carried out by students using Memrise. The results of the study show that the use of Memrise as a technology-based learning medium is effective in increasing student motivation, developing speaking skills, and increasing active participation in the learning process. This platform provides an interactive environment that supports independent and collaborative speaking practice. The results of this study have important implications for the design of learning strategies that focus on developing speaking skills through the use of technology. These findings also highlight the importance of integrating technology into education to address communication challenges in everyday life. So, the use of Memrise as a technology-based learning media can be seen as a suitable solution to improve students' speaking skills.

Virtual Reality in the Classroom: Transforming the Teaching of Electrical Circuits in the Digital Age

In response to the digital transformation in education, this study explores the efficacy of virtual reality (VR) video games in teaching direct current electrical circuits at a public university in Colombia. Using a mixed-method action research approach, this study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a VR-based educational strategy to enhance undergraduate learning experiences. The methodology integrated VR into the curriculum, facilitating a comparison of this innovative approach with traditional teaching methods. The results indicate that the VR strategy significantly improved students’ comprehension of electrical circuits and increased engagement, demonstrating the utility of immersive technologies in educational settings. Challenges such as the need for technological integration and curriculum adaptation were also identified. This study concludes that VR video games can effectively augment electrical engineering education, offering a model for incorporating advanced digital tools into higher education curricula. This approach aligns with ongoing trends in digital transformation, suggesting significant potential for broad applications across various educational contexts.

Using a participatory action research approach to explore, understand and evaluate well-being among children living in socially deprived areas in Southern Sweden: a study protocol

IntroductionResearch suggests that participating in after-school leisure activities has been related to promoting health, well-being and safety among children living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods. The United Nations Child Rights Convention emphasises...

Conversations about death and dying: A co-created workshop for healthcare students

The topic of the physiology of death and dying and how to communicate with people at the end of life is largely absent from healthcare curricula within the U.K. This is despite research indicating that healthcare students find death to be an upsetting experience, and national recommendations advocating that such education be mandatory. This case study outlines the design, delivery, and evaluation of a workshop exploring death and dying in terms of physiology and communication. This intervention was co-created with students using an action research approach. Students appeared to increase in knowledge and skills relating to talking with dying patients and their families, through engagement in the workshop, as evidenced by the evaluation. This study has wider implications for other healthcare courses nationally as higher education institutions seek to address the gap in knowledge and skills relating to death and dying in pre-registration healthcare students. This article was published open access under a CC BY licence: https://creativecommons.org/licences/by/4.0/ .

University-community Partnership Contribution Towards Rural Sustainability: Participatory Action Research in the Rice Farming Community of Paipayales, Ecuador

Abstract Rice cultivation is the main economic livelihood for many families around the world. This activity represents several challenges for farmers and community members for rural sustainability, a cross-cutting element of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations (UN). In response, the Polytechnic University (ESPOL), fulfilling its mission of linking with society, implemented a community program where students and professors interact and collaborate with rice farmers in the rural community of Paipayales, located in the Santa Lucia canton, Guayas province. This article explores the impact of university-community projects through the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach in order to evaluate them as a tool for contributing towards rural sustainability in communities. As a result, it was determined that the main problems faced by most of the farmers of the “Dios con Nosotros” Association are the availability of water in the wells and the commercialization of paddy rice. Considering these problems, the wells were geolocated and a board was designed for proper water management; at the same time, water quality was studied and recommendations were presented according to the problems encountered. Two proposals were also presented to create a rice husker and a rice separator to increase their profit margin by selling rice directly to retailers and wholesalers. As relevant conclusions, the importance of implementing links and relationships between the university community and society was highlighted, guaranteeing the value of working in transdisciplinary teams and achieving a comprehensive intervention that would lead to significant improvements in the community.

Penerapan Metode Gerak dan Lagu Untuk Meningkatkan Sosial Emosional Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun di RA Al Fajar Denai

It is very important to implement discipline in early childhood, to train discipline in early childhood in terms of developing social emotions in children. As this research aims to determine the social-emotional development of children aged 5-6 years before the movement and singing methods were implemented at RA Al-Fajar Denai, how the movement and singing methods were implemented at RA al-Fajar Denai to improve the socio-emotive development of children aged 5 -6 years old, and whether movements and singing methods can improve the social emotional development of children aged 5-6 years at RAAl-Fadar Denai. Apart from observations and compilation of supporting materials, this study uses a classroom action research approach. Using a collaboration paradigm that emphasizes cooperation between researchers and teachers, this Classroom Action Study was carried out for two months, from February to March 2024, in Raudhatul Atfhal Al-Fajar Denai, Kec. At RA Al-Fajar Denai, researchers collaborated with group teachers to plan, implement, observe and think about activities during two work cycles. From the research results, which were produced using movement and song as methods, the findings are very relevant to children's social-emotional development. Specifically, the data we obtained showed that 6.7% of children who had previously not progressed and 13.3% of children who had developed as expected had not progressed, and that 20% and 80% of children had developed very well, respectively. achieved the desired category of 65%. We can conclude that the movement and song methods that have been used have a great influence on the social emotional development of children aged 5-6 years. .

Developing a Participatory Action Research Analytic Network to Advance a More Inclusive Process to Housing Research

Community residents have repeatedly organized and identified policy solutions to address rapidly increasing housing pressures within the greater Boston area. However, resident expertise is often dismissed as anecdotal. Since 2015, The Healthy Neighborhoods Research Consortium (HNRC) has used a participatory action research (PAR) approach to articulate research questions, design mixed methods instruments, collect and analyze data, and share findings to meet community-identified research priorities. We argue in favor of research processes that enable resident experiences and expertise to be used in conjunction with quantitative data analysis, and that support real-time action to address the harms of gentrification in their communities. The goals of this brief are to describe the HNRC’s process for developing a “PAR Analytic Network” — a program focused on building community residents’ power to create new academic partnerships for the purpose of answering their broader systems-level questions. Based on our experience we offer four recommendations: 1) Apply a PAR approach to identify research question(s) of mutual interest; 2) Community control over the academic partner selection process; 3) Academic Partners: Trust the PAR process; and 4) Community Residents: Identify the Silver Linings.

PENINGKATAN KETERAMPILAN MENYIMAK CERITA MENGGUNAKAN MODEL PAIRED STORYTELLING BERBANTUAN MEDIA WAYANG PADA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR

The aim of this research is to use story listening skills using a paired storytelling learning model assisted by wayang media in Class IV at SDN Bekasi Jaya I Bekasi City. Classroom Action research or PTK approach was established in constructing this study. The kemmis model is also Mc. Taggart which includes planning, implementation, observation and reflection stages with the subject of 31 students was applied as the research design. In collecting data, observation and documentation methods were applied using descriptive data analysis, including qualitative and quantitative. The study findings illustrate that story listening skills using the paired storytelling learning model assisted by wayang media are increasing, namely in cycle I by 73.8%, then in cycle II it has increased by 90.7%. Thus, the findings from the research are that the application of the paired storytelling model which utilizes wayang media has a positive effect on the development of narrative listening skills which also increases the learning participation of students in Class IV at SDN Bekasi Jaya I Bekasi City.

Using Networks to Engage Community Health Workers in Participatory Action Research in High-Poverty Rural Communities

Previous research shows that health and social service networks can improve service and system coordination and increase capacity to respond to critical social determinants and health needs. This article describes strategies, methods and tools used to engage community health workers (CHWs) in the development and implementation of initiatives associated with the COVID-19 Response Network, a collaborative between academicians, regional clinical and social service administrators, practitioners, and regional community and faith-based organizations. Network initiatives included community-based participatory action (CBPT) research approaches to respond to social determinants and health needs in rural Missouri during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mixed methods were used to ascertain the impact of these approaches, including surveys and key informant interviews with Network members. Survey responses showed the network to be a venue where decision-making was democratic, CHW voices were valued, and network members trusted each other. Analysis revealed two themes: How the Network improved CHWs’ capacity to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic (“Getting a seat at the table”) and how trust is built through relational exchange processes (“They need to believe in you”). The results clarify practical approaches to participatory action research for bringing together and maximizing the contributions of a combination of CHWs, clinicians, and administrators in clinical and social services stakeholders in the community in leadership positions to improve health outcomes. Implications for academic researchers and academic institutions are discussed.

Strengthening Religious Moderation Through Nalar Strategies as a Deradicalization Effort in the Indonesian Migrant Worker Community

One of Indonesia's problems is the issue of radicalism. Those who are vulnerable to radicalism are Indonesian migrant workers. Because many Indonesian migrant workers are entangled in radical ideas, preventive and curative efforts are significant. This community service aims to strengthen religious moderation through the NALAR strategy as an effort to deradicalize the Indonesian migrant worker community (KOPI) in Ponorogo. This method of community service is Community Based Research (CBR). The technique used in the process of community-based Research (CBR) activities is the Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach. Based on the results of the discussion, it was concluded that there are four indicators of moderation in religion: nationality, tolerance, Anti-racialism, and culture, which are then abbreviated as NALAR. We then made NALAR a strategy to provide assistance and strengthen religious moderation for the Indonesian migrant worker community. Second, NALAR was internalized by the community service team as an effort to deradicalize the Indonesian migrant worker community in Ponorogo. The service team explained the concept of religious moderation, indicators of religious moderation, and the urgency of religious moderation for Indonesian migrant workers in Ponorogo. Third, the evaluation results in terms of the level of knowledge of religious moderation of KOPI members are very good.

Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a national research strategy for paramedicine in Ireland: Findings from a focus group study

Background Paramedicine research and education has progressed significantly over the past two decades in Ireland. The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council recently commissioned a research team to develop a new National Research Strategy for Irish paramedicine. The strategy will serve to build research capacity and establish research priorities into the future. This study aims to explore the perspectives of diverse stakeholders to identify barriers and facilitators to the implementation of a national research strategy for paramedicine in Ireland. Methods The research employed an action research approach. Purposeful and snowball sampling was used to identify and recruit participants (n=37) from diverse stakeholders and knowledge users working in the out-of-hospital setting. Data collection took the form of focus groups (n=6) facilitated by experienced researchers. Audio recordings were transcribed verbatim using Otter AI and thematic analysis was performed in NVivo. Results Barriers and facilitators to the implementation of the research strategy exist at individual and system levels. The themes developed from the Focus Groups included; Challenges in the Research Landscape and Opportunities to Build a Research Ecosystem. Individual barriers included Experience and Skills, Time and Wellbeing. At system level, Operational, Educational, and Professional barriers were identified in addition to an undeveloped Research Infrastructure (Leadership, Support, Funding and Data Access). Individual facilitators included; Professional Identity, Evolving Roles and Protected Time. At system level, Collaboration, Knowledge Translation, Educational facilitators and Professional facilitators, in combination with a strong Research Infrastructure were considered important for successful implementation of the Research Strategy. Conclusions The findings are congruent with international studies and highlight the complexity of implementing a national research strategy aligned with the needs of diverse stakeholders in the out-of-hospital setting. Collaboration will be essential for successful strategy implementation. To ensure optimal effectiveness of the research strategy the development of an implementation plan is recommended.

Empowering emerging adults with type 1 diabetes: crafting a financial and health insurance toolkit through community-based participatory action research

BackgroundEmerging adults aged 18–30 years face challenges during life transitions, with an added burden of navigating the health care system and additional costs associated with diabetes. This stress is compounded by overall low levels of health insurance literacy in this population, as people may not know about available financial and health care resources to minimize suboptimal diabetes outcomes. This study aimed to tailor a financial and health insurance toolkit to emerging adults with type 1 diabetes, including racially, ethnically diverse, and Medicaid-insured individuals, through community-based participatory action research.MethodsAn academic research team and community members from a national organization held six online community advisory board (CAB) content-creation meetings to understand how to tailor a financial and health insurance Toolkit. The CAB was comprised of six racially and insurance-diverse emerging adults with type 1 diabetes and four content experts (clinical, financial, and insurance). Six 60-minute online CAB meetings were held via University Hospitals (UH)-encrypted Zoom over five months. Pre-reading materials were emailed to CAB members before the meetings. A moderator established the purpose of each meeting and briefly discussed meeting rules before each meeting commenced. During the meetings, the moderator guided the discussions and provided the CAB members opportunities to respond and build on one another’s feedback. A deductive thematic qualitative analysis was utilized. Three researchers independently coded the cross-referenced and de-identified CAB meeting transcripts and then convened to reach a group consensus. Two CAB members performed member-checking.ResultsThe following key themes emerged to tailor the Toolkit: ensuring that content covers empowerment and self-advocacy, including genuine stories and multimedia visuals for aesthetics, addressing clinician bias, acknowledging racial and ethnic disparities in care, incorporating cultural representation, and demystifying Medicaid stigma.ConclusionsBy successfully partnering with the CAB and a community organization through a community-based participatory action research approach, we will develop a financial and health insurance Toolkit tailored to the needs of racially and ethnically diverse and Medicaid-insured emerging adults with type 1 diabetes.