Action research: The benefits for early childhood educators

  • This article introduces the purpose, process and benefits of engaging in action research in early childhood settings.
  • Engaging in action research is an effective form of professional learning for educators.
  • Action research is authentic because it allows educators to respond to issues of importance unique to their own settings.
  • Educators have ownership over their action research projects, resulting in ‘transformative’ rather than ‘transmissive’ professional learning.
  • Using action research in early childhood settings invites collaboration between educators, families and community.
  • The focus of an action research project can be personalised to respond to educators’ interests and passions.
  • The cycle of action research invites a sustained engagement in a particular aspect of educators’ work, providing many opportunities to question and reflect on the research topic.

Publication

Miller, M. (2017). Action research: The benefits for early childhood educators. Belonging: Early Years Journal, 6(3), pp. 26-32 https://eprints.qut.edu.au/114335/