Developing Effective Action Research Proposals for DepEd Personnel: A Comprehensive Guide

The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines consistently emphasizes the significance of research in enhancing educational practices and outcomes. Action research has emerged as a crucial instrument for DepEd personnel to tackle distinct challenges within their classrooms and schools. This article provides an extensive guide on crafting action research proposals for DepEd personnel, drawing from recent DepEd orders and established research methodologies.

The Significance of Action Research in Philippine Education

Action research is a methodical inquiry process conducted by educators to gather information about their teaching methods and student learning outcomes. This reflective approach enables teachers to identify problems, implement solutions, and assess the results. In the context of DepEd, action research is supported by several key policies, including:

1. DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 (Research Management Guidelines)
2. DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016 (Adoption of the Basic Education Research Agenda)
3. DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015 (Revised Guidelines for the Basic Education Research Fund)
4. DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022 (Adoption of E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal)
5. DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021 (Amendment to DepEd Order No. 016, s. 2017)

These policies establish a framework for conducting research within the Philippine education system and highlight the importance of evidence-based decision-making in improving educational quality.

The Action Research Process: An Overview

Before delving into the specifics of proposal writing, it’s essential to understand the general action research process:

1. Identify a problem or area for improvement
2. Develop a research question
3. Review relevant literature
4. Plan and implement an intervention
5. Collect and analyze data
6. Reflect on the results and plan further action

This cyclical process allows educators to continuously refine their practices based on evidence and reflection.

Key Components of an Action Research Proposal

1. Title

The title should succinctly describe the focus of the research and indicate the action to be taken. It should be specific, engaging, and reflective of the study’s main objective.

Example: “Enhancing Grade 5 Students’ Reading Comprehension Through Collaborative Learning Strategies: An Action Research Study”

2. Context and Rationale

This section forms the foundation of your proposal and should include:

• A detailed description of the current situation or problem in your classroom or school
• An explanation of why this issue is crucial to address
• A discussion of how the research aligns with DepEd’s Basic Education Research Agenda
• Relevant background information about your school, students, or community that provides context for the study

Example:
“In Basey I Central Elementary School, Grade 5 students have consistently underperformed in reading comprehension assessments over the past three years. This issue not only affects their performance in English class but also impacts their ability to understand and engage with content across all subjects. Addressing this problem aligns with the DepEd’s focus on improving the quality of basic education, particularly in the area of literacy skills.”

3. Research Questions

Formulate clear, focused questions that your research aims to answer. These should directly relate to the problem identified in the context and rationale. Consider including both primary and secondary research questions to guide your study.

Example:
Primary Question:

1. How does the implementation of collaborative learning strategies affect Grade 5 students’ reading comprehension scores over a 12-week period?

Secondary Questions:

2. What specific collaborative learning strategies are most effective in improving students’ reading comprehension?
3. How do students perceive the impact of collaborative learning strategies on their reading comprehension skills?
4. What challenges do teachers face when implementing collaborative learning strategies for reading comprehension, and how can these be addressed?

4. Literature Review

Provide a concise yet thorough overview of existing research on your topic. This section should:

• Discuss relevant theories or concepts related to reading comprehension and collaborative learning
• Summarize previous studies on similar interventions, highlighting their methodologies and findings
• Identify gaps in current knowledge that your research will address
• Demonstrate how your study builds upon or differs from existing research

Example:
“Vygotsky’s social constructivist theory emphasizes the importance of social interaction in cognitive development, providing a theoretical foundation for collaborative learning approaches (Vygotsky, 1978). Recent studies by Santos et al. (2019) and Reyes (2020) have shown positive effects of collaborative learning on reading comprehension among Filipino students. However, these studies focused on high school students, leaving a gap in understanding the effectiveness of such strategies for elementary-level learners.”

5. Methodology

a. Research Design

Clearly state the type of action research design you will use (e.g., individual teacher research, collaborative action research, or school-wide action research) and justify your choice.

b. Participants

Describe the students or other stakeholders who will be involved in the research. Include:

• Number of participants
• Grade level(s)
• Relevant demographic information
• Selection criteria and sampling method

c. Data Collection Methods

Outline the methods you will use to gather data. These may include:

• Pre- and post-intervention reading comprehension tests
• Surveys or questionnaires for students and teachers
• Classroom observations using structured observation protocols
• Student focus group discussions
• Teacher reflective journals

Explain how each method will contribute to answering your research questions and provide details on the instruments you plan to use.

d. Intervention or Action Plan

Detail the specific steps you will take to address the research problem. This should be a clear, step-by-step description of your planned intervention, including:

• Types of collaborative learning strategies to be implemented
• Frequency and duration of implementation
• Materials or resources needed
• Teacher training or preparation required

e. Data Analysis

Explain how you will analyze the data collected. This may involve both quantitative and qualitative analysis techniques. Be specific about the statistical tests or qualitative coding methods you plan to use.

Example:
“Quantitative data from pre- and post-intervention reading comprehension tests will be analyzed using paired t-tests to determine statistical significance. Qualitative data from focus group discussions and teacher journals will be analyzed using thematic analysis, with codes and themes developed inductively from the data.”

6. Ethical Considerations

Address any ethical issues that may arise during your research, such as:

• Obtaining informed consent from participants (and parents, if applicable)
• Maintaining confidentiality and anonymity of participants
• Minimizing potential risks to participants
• Ensuring equitable treatment of all students, including those not directly involved in the study
• Addressing potential conflicts of interest

It’s important to note that DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 mandates the establishment of a Research Ethics Committee (REC). While this committee is being set up, researchers should adhere to the DepEd Child Protection Policy (DO 40, s. 2012) when interacting with learners. For research involving Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners, Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs), or Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs), researchers must follow the principles outlined in the National IPEd Policy Framework (DO No. 62, s. 2011), including obtaining free, prior, and informed consent from the community.

7. Timeline

Provide a realistic schedule for your research, including:

• Planning and preparation phase
• Pre-intervention data collection
• Implementation of the intervention
• Post-intervention data collection
• Data analysis
• Report writing and dissemination

Consider using a Gantt chart or similar visual representation to clearly illustrate the timeline.

8. Budget

If applying for funding (e.g., through the Basic Education Research Fund), include a detailed budget outlining all expected expenses. Categories may include:

• Materials and supplies
• Printing and photocopying
• Travel expenses (if applicable)
• Data analysis software or services
• Professional development or training costs

Ensure that your budget aligns with the guidelines provided in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015 regarding eligible and non-eligible expenses.

9. Dissemination Plan

Describe how you will share your findings with colleagues, school administrators, and the broader education community. Consider:

• Presentations at school or district-level meetings
• Submission to E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal
• Participation in education conferences
• Publication in academic journals or professional magazines

E-Saliksik, established by DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022, serves as the central repository for completed research funded by the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF). Submitting your research to E-Saliksik ensures that your findings are accessible to other DepEd personnel and researchers, promoting knowledge sharing and evidence-based practice across the Philippine education system.

10. Expected Outcomes and Implications

Discuss the anticipated results of your study and their potential impact on:

• Student learning outcomes
• Teaching practices
• School policies or procedures
• Future research directions

This section should clearly link your research to practical improvements in the classroom and broader educational goals.

Funding Your Action Research

The Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) is a key source of funding for action research conducted by DepEd personnel. As outlined in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015 and DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, the BERF supports education research initiatives at various levels:

1. National level: Up to PHP 500,000 per research
2. Regional or division level: Up to PHP 150,000 per research
3. School level: Up to PHP 30,000 per research

To be eligible for BERF funding, researchers must:

• Be regular/permanent DepEd employees
• Have no pending administrative cases
• Not have availed of the grant in the given year

The application process involves submitting your research proposal to the appropriate Research Committee (school, division, or regional level) for evaluation. If approved, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be executed before the research can commence.

Writing Your Action Research Proposal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Following the guidelines provided in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, here’s a comprehensive guide to writing your action research proposal:

1. Title

Create a concise, descriptive title that clearly indicates the focus of your research. It should:

• Reflect the main research question or problem
• Indicate the target group or setting
• Mention the intervention or strategy to be studied

Example: “Enhancing Grade 5 Students’ Reading Comprehension Through Collaborative Learning Strategies: An Action Research in Maligaya Elementary School”

2. Context and Rationale

This section forms the foundation of your proposal and corresponds to the “Introduction of the Research” in Annex 2 of DO 16, s. 2017. Include:

a. Description of the current situation or problem in your classroom or school
b. Explanation of why this issue is crucial to address
c. Discussion of how the research aligns with DepEd’s Basic Education Research Agenda
d. Relevant background information about your school, students, or community

Use local data, observations, and any preliminary assessments to support your rationale.

3. Review of Related Literature

Provide a concise overview of existing research on your topic:

a. Discuss relevant theories or concepts
b. Summarize previous studies on similar interventions
c. Identify gaps in current knowledge that your research will address
d. Demonstrate how your study builds upon or differs from existing research

Ensure you use proper citations following the APA format as recommended by DepEd.

4. Research Questions

Formulate clear, focused questions that your research aims to answer:

a. State your primary research question
b. Include 2-3 secondary questions that support or expand on the main question

Ensure your questions are specific, measurable, and directly related to your identified problem.

5. Scope and Limitation

Clearly define the boundaries of your study:

a. Specify the grade level, subject area, or specific group of students involved
b. Indicate the timeframe of the study
c. Mention any limitations in resources, access, or methodology

6. Research Methodology

a. Research Design

State the type of action research you will conduct (e.g., individual teacher research, collaborative action research).

b. Participants

Describe who will be involved in the research:

• Number of participants
• Grade level(s)
• Relevant demographic information
• Selection criteria and sampling method

c. Data Collection Methods

Detail the methods you will use to gather data, such as:

• Pre- and post-intervention assessments
• Surveys or questionnaires
• Classroom observations
• Focus group discussions
• Teacher reflective journals

Explain how each method will contribute to answering your research questions.

Note: As per DO 16, s. 2017, consider the importance of using local languages in data collection to ensure accurate and meaningful responses from participants.

Additionally, in light of DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021, consider including online or remote data gathering methods in your plan. Explain how these methods will be implemented and how you’ll ensure data quality and participant safety.

d. Intervention or Action Plan

Provide a step-by-step description of your planned intervention:

• Specific strategies or techniques to be implemented
• Frequency and duration of implementation
• Materials or resources needed
• Teacher training or preparation required

e. Data Analysis Plan

Explain how you will analyze the collected data:

• Specify quantitative and/or qualitative analysis techniques
• Mention any software or tools you plan to use
• Describe how you will ensure the validity and reliability of your analysis

7. Ethical Considerations

Address potential ethical issues:

• Procedures for obtaining informed consent
• Measures to maintain confidentiality and anonymity
• Strategies to minimize risks to participants
• Plans for equitable treatment of all students

Reference the DepEd Child Protection Policy and, if applicable, guidelines for research involving Indigenous Peoples.

Note: As per DO 16, s. 2017, mention that you will seek approval from the Research Ethics Committee once it is established by DepEd. In the meantime, explain how you will ensure your research adheres to ethical standards.

8. Timeline / Gantt Chart

Provide a realistic schedule for your research, including:

• Planning and preparation phase
• Pre-intervention data collection
• Implementation of the intervention
• Post-intervention data collection
• Data analysis
• Report writing and dissemination

Use the Gantt chart template provided in Annex 6 of DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017.

9. Cost Estimates

If applying for BERF funding, include a detailed budget outlining all expected expenses:

• Materials and supplies
• Printing and photocopying
• Travel expenses (if applicable)
• Data analysis software or services

Ensure your budget aligns with the eligible expenses outlined in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015.

10. Plans for Dissemination and Advocacy

Describe how you will share your findings:

• Presentations at school or division-level meetings
• Submission to E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal
• Participation in education conferences
• Publication in academic journals or professional magazines

11. References

List all sources cited in your proposal using APA format.

Formatting Guidelines

• Use Arial font, size 11
• Double-space your document
• Set 1-inch margins on all sides
• Number all pages
• Limit your proposal to a maximum of 20 pages (excluding appendices)

Submission Process

1. Complete the application form (Annex 1 of DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017)
2. Obtain endorsement from your immediate supervisor
3. Sign the anti-plagiarism and absence of conflict of interest declaration (Annex 3)
4. Submit your proposal to the appropriate Research Committee (school, division, or regional level)

Remember to review your proposal carefully before submission, ensuring all components are present and align with each other. Consider having a colleague or mentor review your proposal for feedback before final submission.

By following these guidelines, you will create a comprehensive and well-structured action research proposal that adheres to DepEd standards and increases your chances of approval and successful implementation.

Aligning with DepEd Priorities

When developing your action research proposal, it’s crucial to align with DepEd’s current priorities and research agenda. The Basic Education Research Agenda (DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016) outlines four main themes:

1. Teaching and Learning
2. Child Protection
3. Human Resource Development
4. Governance

Your proposal should clearly indicate which theme(s) it addresses and how it contributes to DepEd’s overall goals for improving basic education. For example, a study on collaborative learning strategies for reading comprehension would primarily fall under the “Teaching and Learning” theme but may also touch on aspects of “Human Resource Development” if it involves teacher training.

Navigating the Approval Process

DepEd has established a structured process for reviewing and approving research proposals, as outlined in the Research Management Guidelines (DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017). Key steps include:

1. Submission of the proposal to the appropriate Research Committee (school, division, or regional level)
2. Initial screening by the committee secretariat
3. Evaluation by the Research Committee using established criteria
4. Notification of results (approval, revision required, or disapproval)
5. For approved proposals, execution of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA)

Understanding this process can help you prepare a stronger proposal and navigate the approval stages more effectively.

Quality Assurance in Action Research

DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022 emphasizes the importance of quality control in research. The Department is in the process of adopting minimum quality standards for research and integrating quality control measures into the acceptance process for BERF-funded research. As a researcher, you should:

1. Familiarize yourself with these standards once they are published
2. Ensure your research design and methodology meet these quality criteria
3. Be prepared for your completed research to undergo a quality control review before final acceptance and archiving in E-Saliksik

Conducting Action Research in Challenging Circumstances

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic and other potential challenges, DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021 provides guidance on conducting research in difficult circumstances:

1. Virtual conduct of research-related activities: When necessary, activities such as committee evaluations, progress monitoring, and dissemination can be conducted virtually.
2. Online/remote data gathering methods: Proposals with online or remote data gathering methods may be prioritized. If face-to-face data collection is necessary, it should be justified in the research design and conducted in compliance with health and safety protocols.
3. Use of digital signatures: For efficiency, the use of digital signatures in research-related documents is encouraged, in compliance with relevant government regulations.

When designing your action research, consider how you can adapt your methods to ensure the safety of all participants while maintaining the integrity of your study.

Research Partnerships

DepEd encourages collaboration with external partners to enhance the quality and impact of educational research. As outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, potential research partners include:

1. State universities and colleges
2. Development partners
3. Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
4. Other government agencies and Local Government Units (LGUs)
5. Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)

These partnerships can provide opportunities for:

• Capacity building and technical assistance
• Resource sharing
• Collaborative research projects
• Additional funding sources

When considering a research partnership, ensure that the collaboration aligns with DepEd’s research priorities and that appropriate agreements are in place to protect the interests of all parties involved.

Tips for Writing a Strong Action Research Proposal

1. Be specific and focused in your research questions and objectives.

• Align your research questions with the Basic Education Research Agenda themes (DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016).
• Ensure your questions are clear, measurable, and directly related to your identified problem.

2. Ensure your proposed intervention is feasible within your school context and timeframe.

• Consider the resources available in your school or community learning center.
• Align your timeline with the school calendar and DepEd’s academic year.

3. Use clear, concise language throughout your proposal, avoiding jargon or overly technical terms.

• Follow the DepEd Manual of Style (DepEd Order No. 30, s. 2019) for consistency in writing.
• Define any technical terms or acronyms used in your proposal.

4. Provide a strong rationale that links your research to improved student outcomes and DepEd priorities.

• Reference specific DepEd policies or programs that your research supports.
• Explain how your research contributes to the goals outlined in the Basic Education Research Agenda.

5. Demonstrate familiarity with current literature and DepEd policies.

• Cite recent studies relevant to your topic, including those conducted within the Philippine context.
• Show awareness of current DepEd initiatives related to your research area.

6. Be realistic in your timeline and budget estimates.

• Use the Gantt chart template provided in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 (Annex 6) to outline your research timeline.
• Ensure your budget aligns with the guidelines for eligible expenses in DepEd Order No. 43, s. 2015.

7. Consider potential challenges and how you will address them.

• Include contingency plans for potential disruptions (e.g., school closures due to natural disasters or health emergencies).
• Address potential limitations in resources or participant availability.

8. Clearly explain how you will measure the impact of your intervention.

• Specify the data collection tools and analysis methods you will use.
• Align your measurement approach with DepEd’s learner-centered assessment policies.

9. Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors before submitting your proposal.

• Utilize Learning Action Cells (LACs) as a platform for discussing and refining your research proposal (DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2016).
• Consider seeking input from your school head or division research coordinator.

10. Ensure all components of your proposal align with each other and support your main research question.
    • Use the research proposal template provided in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 (Annex 2) to structure your proposal.
    • Cross-check each section to ensure consistency and coherence throughout the proposal.
11. Address the ethical considerations of your research thoroughly.
    • Refer to the DepEd Child Protection Policy (DO 40, s. 2012) when designing research involving learners.
    • For research involving Indigenous Peoples, follow the guidelines in the National IPEd Policy Framework (DO No. 62, s. 2011).
12. Consider how your research can be conducted in challenging circumstances.
    • Include plans for online or remote data collection methods, as suggested in DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021.
    • Explain how you will ensure data quality and participant safety in various scenarios.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

1. Proposing a topic that is too broad or ambitious for the scope of action research.

• Focus on a specific, manageable problem within your immediate context.
• Ensure your research can be completed within the timeframe specified by BERF guidelines (DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017).

2. Failing to connect the research to specific classroom or school improvements.

• Clearly articulate how your research findings will inform teaching practices or school policies.
• Link your research objectives to specific learner outcomes or school improvement goals.

3. Neglecting to consider ethical implications, especially when working with minors or vulnerable populations.

• Demonstrate awareness of the DepEd Child Protection Policy in your proposal.
• Include detailed plans for obtaining informed consent and maintaining participant confidentiality.

4. Proposing data collection methods that are impractical or too time-consuming.

• Consider the daily schedules and responsibilities of participants when planning data collection.
• Explore efficient data collection methods, including the use of technology where appropriate.

5. Not aligning the proposal with DepEd’s research priorities and agenda.

• Explicitly state how your research aligns with one or more themes from the Basic Education Research Agenda.
• Show awareness of current DepEd initiatives and how your research complements them.

6. Overlooking the importance of a clear, actionable intervention plan.

• Provide a step-by-step description of your intervention, including timelines and resources needed.
• Explain how the intervention will be implemented within the existing school structure and schedule.

7. Proposing research that duplicates existing studies without adding new insights.

• Conduct a thorough literature review, including searching the E-Saliksik portal for related DepEd research.
• Clearly articulate how your study builds upon or differs from existing research.

8. Underestimating the time and resources required for data collection and analysis.

• Include buffer time in your research timeline for unexpected delays.
• Consider the availability of necessary resources (e.g., data analysis software) when planning your study.

9. Failing to consider the sustainability of the intervention beyond the research period.

• Discuss how successful interventions could be integrated into regular school practices.
• Consider the resource implications of sustaining the intervention long-term.

10. Neglecting to discuss how the research findings will be applied in practice.
    • Include a detailed dissemination plan, including submission to E-Saliksik (DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022).
    • Explain how findings will be shared with colleagues through LACs or other professional development activities.
11. Ignoring the quality control standards for research.
    • Familiarize yourself with the minimum quality standards for research once published (as mentioned in DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022).
    • Ensure your research design and methodology meet these quality criteria.
12. Failing to consider potential partnerships or collaborations.
    • Explore possibilities for collaboration with local universities, NGOs, or other DepEd schools.
    • Consider how partnerships could enhance the scope or impact of your research.

By addressing these tips and avoiding common pitfalls, DepEd personnel can develop stronger, more impactful action research proposals that contribute meaningfully to the improvement of Philippine basic education.

The Role of Technology in Action Research

As technology continues to play an increasingly important role in education, consider how it can support your action research process:

• Online surveys or digital data collection tools for efficient data gathering
• Educational apps or software that can be incorporated into your intervention
• Data analysis software to assist with quantitative or qualitative analysis
• Digital platforms for collaboration with colleagues or sharing research findings

However, be mindful of potential limitations in technology access or digital literacy among participants, and ensure that your research design is equitable and inclusive.

Conclusion

Developing a robust action research proposal is a valuable skill for DepEd personnel. It allows educators to systematically address challenges in their professional practice while contributing to the broader body of knowledge in education. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and aligning with DepEd’s research priorities, teachers and school leaders can create proposals that have the potential to significantly improve teaching and learning outcomes in Philippine basic education.

Action research empowers educators to be active participants in educational improvement, moving beyond simply implementing policies to actively shaping best practices. As DepEd continues to support and encourage research initiatives through policies, funding, and platforms like E-Saliksik, it is crucial for personnel at all levels to engage in this process of inquiry, reflection, and action.

Through well-designed and executed action research projects, DepEd personnel can play a vital role in advancing the quality of education in the Philippines. By addressing local challenges and contributing to the broader understanding of effective educational practices, action research serves as a powerful tool for continuous improvement in the Philippine education system.

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This article, “Developing Effective Action Research Proposals for DepEd Personnel: A Comprehensive Guide,” was authored by Mark Anthony Llego and published on August 12, 2024.