The Practices and Challenges in Conducting Action Research in Secondary Schools of Silti Woreda
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Date
2013-06
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The main objective of the study was to investigate the practice and
challenges in conducting action research in Secondary Schools of Silti
Woreda. In order to attain the objective, the study answered the basic
questions such as, What is the current status of teachers’ practice in
action research activities? And what are the factors that influence
teachers’ practice in action research in Silti woreda secondary
schools? A descriptive survey method was used to describe the
situation of the status of practice and challenges in conducting action
research in the schools. Data was gathered from two sources; the
primary source of information in this study includes secondary school
teachers, secondary schools directors, woreda education office expert
and supervisors. The primary data relevant to the study was collected
using questionnaire, interview and focus group discussions. Secondary
data was gathered from documents.
Based on the data analysis, the current status of secondary school
teachers' practice in action research was found to be low and considerable
number of teachers did not get the opportunity to participate in workshops,
seminars and in-service trainings related to action research; also they did
not read books, journals and handouts to develop their research skills.
Moreover, the study investigated factors that influence Teachers' practice
in action research. Shortage of materials (computer access, research
journals, reference books, internet service, research works,
handouts, etc), lack of support from school administrations, absence
of professional training on research, lack of active involvement of
stakeholders such as NGOs, School Administers, Woreda education
office etc in action research process in schools, commitment and
willingness of teachers in conducting action research and absence of
financial support were the major factors that influence action research
activity in the schools. Conclusion, suggestions and
recommendations for improvement of the current practices and
challenges of action research were made based on the findings
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Education