An action research book for wary educators
Saba Ahmed has published The Untapped Potential of Action Research
Saba Ahmed is a lecturer teaching healthcare management and working as a dissertation supervisor. She explains the focus of her new book aimed at action research beginners in the field of education:
“With those new to research or for those who haven’t conducted research in a while, it may be difficult to know where to start.
There is huge scope in the use of action research to generate genuine benefits for those involved. However many education/ teaching practitioners may be intimidated by the “R” word (research). Therefore, to assist other budding researchers I was motivated to write a book which demystifies research terminology and contains a full action research project for anyone wanting to gain further insight on the practicalities of action research. As to date my highest achievement in teaching as a Higher Education lecturer is my action research project on improving student literacy skills, that is the focal project of the book.
In this our setting was with students in further education in West Yorkshire, UK. Happily they advanced in their academic writing skills within a STEM teacher action research project.
From reviewing the student reflective account results, we determined that 100% of the students found this work useful. Post-completion of this action research project, I was promoted to Course Revision Lead, and then Joint Pharmacy Professional Development Lead. Action research can prove to be emancipatory for teaching professionals to exercise autonomy to better an area exhibiting weaknesses in teaching provision, and could be one mechanism employed to promote teaching staff retention. There are many vacancies in teaching departments up and down the country, and effective remuneration coupled with action research projects could help with staff retention and progression!
The book provides a jargon-busting, comprehensive guide for teachers and students working on action research projects. It examines research terminology and common data collation methods, emphasising the importance of quality assurance. It portrays how contemporary STEM teaching examples, teacher roles and societal issues intersect.
Gail Holmes, Head of Science, School of Allied Health & Digital Academy Bradford reviewed Saba’s book as, “a well-considered, useful tool for those new to educational and action research. It demystifies research terminology, discusses data collection, quality assurance, academic and reflective writing etc. whilst encouraging further reading around the subject. A useful range of detailed examples, reports, projects, and templates are provided throughout to aid the reader.”
Saba Ahmed’s book A 101 Action Research Guide for Beginners is available through Blackwells and from online book sellers.

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