Action research is a powerful method for educators to systematically examine and enhance their teaching practices. For Department of Education (DepEd) personnel in the Philippines, conducting action research is not only an essential component of professional development but also a crucial contributor to improving the quality of education. This comprehensive guide provides detailed instructions on writing an action research report tailored specifically for DepEd personnel, drawing from official DepEd guidelines and best practices in educational research.
Table of Contents
Understanding Action Research in the DepEd Context
Action research, as defined by DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, is “a process of systematic inquiry to improve educational practices or resolve problems in any operating unit (i.e. school, classroom, office).” This approach allows teachers and other education professionals to investigate issues directly related to their work, develop solutions, and implement changes to improve student learning outcomes.
In the Philippine basic education system, action research is supported through various policies and initiatives, including:
- The Basic Education Research Fund (BERF)
- The Basic Education Research Agenda
- Research Management Guidelines
- Learning Action Cells (LACs)
These frameworks provide the necessary support and structure for DepEd personnel to engage in meaningful research activities. The BERF, in particular, offers financial support for approved research proposals, enabling educators to conduct studies that address pressing educational issues.
Learning Action Cells (LACs) and Action Research
Learning Action Cells (LACs), as outlined in DepEd Order No. 35, s. 2016, are school-based communities of practice that support teachers’ professional development. LACs can serve as an excellent platform for conducting action research:
- LAC sessions can be used to identify common classroom issues that warrant research
- Teachers can collaborate on action research projects through LACs
- LAC meetings provide opportunities for sharing research findings and discussing implementation strategies
By integrating action research into LAC activities, schools can create a culture of continuous improvement and evidence-based practice.
The Importance of Action Research for DepEd Personnel
Action research plays a crucial role in the professional growth of DepEd personnel and the overall improvement of the education system. Some key benefits include:
- Evidence-based decision making: Action research provides educators with data-driven insights to inform their teaching strategies and classroom management techniques.
- Continuous improvement: By regularly engaging in action research, teachers can identify areas for improvement and implement targeted interventions.
- Professional development: The process of conducting action research enhances critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills.
- Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Action research often involves collaboration with colleagues, fostering a culture of shared learning and best practice exchange.
- Policy influence: Findings from action research can inform school, division, or even national-level education policies.
Steps in Writing an Action Research Report
1. Identifying the Research Problem
The first step in writing an action research report is clearly defining the problem or issue to be addressed. This problem should be:
- Relevant to the teacher’s classroom or school context
- Specific and focused
- Aligned with DepEd’s Basic Education Research Agenda
For example, a teacher might identify low student engagement in science lessons as a problem to investigate. To refine this problem, the teacher could consider specific aspects of engagement, such as participation in class discussions or completion of hands-on activities.
When identifying the research problem, consider the following questions:
- What specific challenges do you observe in your classroom or school?
- How does this problem affect student learning or school operations?
- Is this problem within your sphere of influence to address?
2. Formulating Research Questions
Once the problem is identified, develop specific research questions that will guide your investigation. These questions should be:
- Clear and concise
- Answerable through data collection and analysis
- Aligned with the research problem
Example research questions might include:
- How can interactive learning activities increase student engagement in science lessons?
- What impact does the use of local examples have on students’ understanding of scientific concepts?
- To what extent does the implementation of group projects affect student participation in class discussions?
When formulating research questions, consider using the SMART criteria:
- Specific: Is the question focused on a particular aspect of the problem?
- Measurable: Can you collect data to answer this question?
- Achievable: Is it realistic to answer this question within your research timeframe and resources?
- Relevant: Does the question directly address your identified problem?
- Time-bound: Can you specify a timeframe for answering this question?
3. Reviewing Related Literature
Conduct a thorough review of existing research and literature related to your topic. This step helps to:
- Provide context for your study
- Identify gaps in current knowledge
- Inform your research design and methodology
When reviewing literature, focus on recent studies, particularly those conducted in similar educational contexts. Consider the following sources:
- Academic journals in education and related fields
- DepEd research publications and reports
- Theses and dissertations from education programs
- Reputable online educational resources and databases
Organize your literature review thematically, addressing key concepts related to your research problem. For example, if studying student engagement in science lessons, you might include sections on:
- Definitions and theories of student engagement
- Factors affecting engagement in science education
- Effective strategies for increasing student engagement
- Previous action research studies on similar topics
4. Designing the Research Methodology
Outline the methods you will use to collect and analyze data. Common methods in action research include:
- Surveys or questionnaires
- Classroom observations
- Student assessments
- Interviews with students or colleagues
- Document analysis (e.g., student work samples, lesson plans)
Ensure that your chosen methods are appropriate for answering your research questions and feasible within your school setting. Consider the following factors when designing your methodology:
- Sample size and selection: How many participants will you include, and how will you select them?
- Data collection instruments: Will you use existing tools or develop your own?
- Timeline: How long will your data collection period last?
- Ethical considerations: How will you obtain informed consent and protect participant privacy?
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021 provides guidelines for conducting research virtually:
- Research-related activities may be conducted virtually or remotely when necessary
- Online submission of requirements is allowed
- Prioritize proposals with online/remote data gathering methods
- Face-to-face data collection should only be implemented if relevant to the research design and with strict observance of minimum health standards
5. Implementing the Research Plan
Carry out your research plan, collecting data as outlined in your methodology. Keep detailed records of your procedures and any challenges encountered during this phase. Consider the following tips for successful implementation:
- Create a detailed schedule for data collection activities
- Prepare all necessary materials and instruments in advance
- Maintain consistent procedures across multiple data collection sessions
- Document any deviations from your original plan and the reasons for these changes
When conducting research virtually, ensure that you have the necessary technology and support in place. Be prepared to adapt your methods if technical issues arise.
6. Analyzing the Data
Once data is collected, analyze it to identify patterns, trends, and insights. This may involve:
- Quantitative analysis (e.g., statistical tests, descriptive statistics)
- Qualitative analysis (e.g., thematic coding of interview responses, content analysis)
- Triangulation of multiple data sources
When analyzing your data, consider the following steps:
- Organize and prepare your data for analysis (e.g., transcribing interviews, entering survey responses into a spreadsheet)
- Read through all the data to get a general sense of the information
- Begin coding the data, identifying key themes or categories
- Generate descriptions and themes based on your coding
- Interpret the findings in light of your research questions and literature review
7. Writing the Action Research Report
The final step is writing a comprehensive report of your research. DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017 provides a specific outline for action research reports, which includes:
- Title Page
- Abstract
- Acknowledgment
- Context and Rationale
- Innovation, Intervention, and Strategy
- Action Research Questions
- Action Research Methods
a. Participants and/or other Sources of Data and Information
b. Data Gathering Methods - Discussion of Results and Reflection
- Action Plan
- References
- Financial Report
Before submission to E-Saliksik, completed research reports undergo a quality control process to ensure they meet minimum standards. This process evaluates various aspects of the research, including methodology, analysis, and presentation of findings. Researchers should familiarize themselves with these standards to ensure their work meets the required quality level.
Key Components of the Action Research Report
Title Page
The title page should include:
- Research title (clear and descriptive)
- Researcher’s name and position
- School name and division
- Date of completion
Example title: “Enhancing Student Engagement in Grade 8 Science Classes through Interactive Learning Activities: An Action Research Study”
Abstract
Provide a brief summary (200-250 words) of your research, including:
- Research problem and questions
- Methodology
- Key findings
- Main conclusions and recommendations
Example abstract structure:
- Background and purpose of the study (1-2 sentences)
- Brief description of methodology (1-2 sentences)
- Summary of key findings (2-3 sentences)
- Main conclusions and implications for practice (1-2 sentences)
Context and Rationale
Explain the background of your research, including:
- Description of the school/classroom setting
- Identification of the problem or issue
- Justification for the importance of the research
In this section, provide specific details about your educational context. For example:
- School demographics (e.g., urban/rural, number of students, socioeconomic background)
- Relevant school policies or initiatives
- Personal observations or experiences that led to the identification of the research problem
Innovation, Intervention, and Strategy
Detail the specific approach or intervention you implemented to address the research problem. This section should clearly describe what actions were taken and why. Include information such as:
- Theoretical basis for your chosen intervention
- Step-by-step description of the intervention or strategy
- Timeline for implementation
- Any modifications made during the implementation process
Action Research Questions
List your research questions, ensuring they align with your research problem and intervention strategy. For each question, briefly explain its significance and how it relates to your overall research goals.
Action Research Methods
Provide a detailed description of:
- Participants (e.g., number of students, grade level, selection criteria)
- Data collection methods (e.g., surveys, observations, interviews)
- Data analysis procedures
In this section, be as specific as possible about your methods. For example:
- If using surveys, describe the type of questions (e.g., Likert scale, open-ended) and provide sample items
- For observations, explain your observation protocol and how you ensured consistency across multiple sessions
- When discussing data analysis, describe specific techniques used (e.g., thematic analysis, descriptive statistics)
Discussion of Results and Reflection
Present your findings and analyze their implications. This section should:
- Address each research question systematically
- Support claims with evidence from your data
- Reflect on the effectiveness of your intervention
- Discuss any unexpected outcomes or challenges
Organize this section around your research questions, presenting relevant data and analysis for each. Use tables, graphs, or charts to present quantitative data clearly. For qualitative data, include representative quotes or examples to illustrate key themes.
Action Plan
Based on your findings, outline specific steps for implementing changes in your classroom or school. This plan should be:
- Practical and feasible
- Aligned with your research findings
- Specific about who will do what and when
Include a timeline for implementation and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of your action plan.
References
List all sources cited in your report using a consistent citation style (e.g., APA format). Ensure that all in-text citations correspond to entries in your reference list.
Financial Report
If your research was funded through BERF or another source, include a detailed accounting of expenses. Organize this information in a clear, tabular format, categorizing expenses (e.g., materials, transportation, printing) and providing total amounts.
As per DepEd Order No. 26, s. 2021, 75% of the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF) allocation should be used exclusively for research proposals, while the remaining 25% may be used for research proposals and other research-related activities. Eligible expenses now include communication expenses such as mobile phone and internet costs incurred during research implementation.
Tips for Writing an Effective Action Research Report
- Use clear, concise language appropriate for an academic audience.
- Avoid jargon or overly complex terms unless necessary
- Define technical terms when first introduced
- Use active voice to improve clarity and directness
- Keep sentences and paragraphs focused on a single idea
- Organize your report logically, using headings and subheadings to guide readers.
- Follow the structure outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017
- Use consistent formatting for headings and subheadings
- Ensure each section flows logically into the next
- Include transition sentences between major sections
- Support all claims with evidence from your data or literature review.
- Cite specific data points or observations to back up assertions
- Use direct quotes from participants sparingly and purposefully
- Relate your findings to existing research in your literature review
- Explain how your evidence supports your conclusions
- Be honest about limitations of your study and areas for future research.
- Acknowledge any constraints in your methodology or sample size
- Discuss potential biases and how you attempted to mitigate them
- Suggest ways future research could build on or expand your study
- Explain how limitations might affect the generalizability of your findings
- Proofread carefully for grammar, spelling, and formatting errors.
- Read your report aloud to catch awkward phrasing or errors
- Use spelling and grammar checking tools, but don’t rely on them exclusively
- Check for consistent formatting in citations, tables, and figures
- Have a colleague review your report for clarity and errors you might have missed
- Use visuals (e.g., tables, graphs, charts) to present data clearly and effectively.
- Choose appropriate visual formats for different types of data
- Ensure all visuals are clearly labeled and referenced in the text
- Use color judiciously and ensure visuals are readable in black and white
- Provide brief explanations or interpretations of each visual in the text
- Maintain a balance between descriptive and analytical writing.
- Describe your methods and findings clearly, but don’t just list facts
- Analyze what your findings mean in the context of your research questions
- Discuss implications of your results for teaching practice or policy
- Connect your analysis back to your theoretical framework and literature review
- Ensure consistency in terminology and formatting throughout the report.
- Use the same terms to refer to key concepts throughout the report
- Maintain consistent verb tense, especially when describing your methodology
- Use a single citation style (e.g., APA) consistently
- Keep formatting consistent for similar elements (e.g., table layouts, figure captions)
- Include an appendix for supplementary materials (e.g., survey instruments, raw data).
- Provide copies of data collection instruments (e.g., questionnaires, interview guides)
- Include raw data tables if appropriate and not too lengthy
- Add any additional information that supports your study but isn’t essential to the main text
- Ensure all appendix items are referenced in the main body of the report
- Seek feedback from colleagues or mentors before finalizing your report.
- Share drafts with trusted colleagues or your LAC group for input
- Consider having a non-specialist read your report for clarity
- Be open to constructive criticism and willing to make revisions
- Allow sufficient time for feedback and revision before submission deadlines
- Write a strong introduction and conclusion.
- In the introduction, clearly state your research problem, questions, and significance
- Provide a brief overview of your methodology in the introduction
- In the conclusion, summarize key findings and their implications
- End with a call to action or suggestions for applying the research in practice
- Use peer-reviewed sources in your literature review.
- Prioritize recent, peer-reviewed journal articles in your field
- Include seminal works that provide theoretical foundations for your study
- Critically evaluate sources, noting strengths and limitations
- Synthesize information from multiple sources rather than simply summarizing each one
- Be mindful of ethical considerations in your writing.
- Maintain participant confidentiality by using pseudonyms or codes
- Accurately represent participant views, even if they differ from your expectations
- Acknowledge any potential conflicts of interest
- Discuss ethical challenges encountered during your research and how you addressed them
- Craft a compelling abstract.
- Summarize the key elements of your study: problem, methodology, findings, and implications
- Keep your abstract concise (typically 200-250 words)
- Ensure the abstract can stand alone as a summary of your research
- Include keywords that will help others find your research
- Review and adhere to DepEd’s specific guidelines for action research reports.
- Follow the prescribed format and structure
- Ensure your report meets the quality standards for E-Saliksik submission
- Address all required components as outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017
- Consider how your research aligns with DepEd’s Basic Education Research Agenda
Ethical Considerations in Action Research
When conducting action research, DepEd personnel must adhere to ethical guidelines, including:
- Obtaining informed consent from participants (and parents/guardians for minors)
- Protecting participant confidentiality and anonymity
- Ensuring research activities do not interfere with students’ regular learning
- Being transparent about research purposes and procedures
- Addressing potential conflicts of interest
- Respecting cultural and social norms of the school community
Consider the following steps to ensure ethical research practices:
- Develop clear information sheets and consent forms for participants
- Use pseudonyms or codes to protect participant identities in your report
- Store data securely and limit access to authorized personnel only
- Obtain approval from school administration before beginning your research
- Provide opportunities for participants to review and comment on your findings
DepEd is in the process of establishing a Research Ethics Committee to evaluate compliance with research ethics. While this committee is being formed, researchers should adhere to existing ethical guidelines and consult with their supervisors on ethical concerns.
Research Involving Indigenous Peoples’ Learners
When conducting research that involves Indigenous Peoples (IP) learners, Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs), Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSPs), or Indigenous Learning Systems (ILSs):
- Adhere to the rights-based approach and principles of inclusion, participation, and empowerment as stipulated in the National IPEd Policy Framework (DO No. 62, s. 2011)
- Obtain permission from the concerned community through recognized community representatives or elders
- Recognize the community as co-author and co-owner of research directly discussing their IKSPs and ILS
- Adhere to the principles of free, prior, and informed consent
Dissemination and Utilization of Research Findings
DepEd encourages the sharing of action research findings to improve educational practices across the system. Consider the following strategies for dissemination:
- Presenting your research at school or division-level meetings
- Submitting your report for inclusion in DepEd’s E-Saliksik research portal
- Sharing findings with colleagues through professional learning communities
- Writing a summary article for a teacher newsletter or blog
- Presenting at local or national education conferences
To maximize the impact of your research:
- Tailor your presentation to different audiences (e.g., colleagues, administrators, parents)
- Highlight practical implications and recommendations
- Encourage dialogue and feedback on your findings
- Collaborate with colleagues to implement changes based on your research
- Consider conducting follow-up studies to assess the long-term impact of your interventions
E-Saliksik: The DepEd Research Portal
E-Saliksik, established by DepEd Order No. 14, s. 2022, serves as a central repository for completed research. When submitting your action research report to E-Saliksik:
- Ensure your report meets the quality standards outlined in the order
- Prepare a research bulletin, which is an abridged version of your research for public dissemination
- Be aware of the different tiers of disclosure (General Public Disclosure and Limited Public Disclosure) and their implications for your research
General Public Disclosure allows full versions of research reports to be uploaded to the portal, while Limited Public Disclosure restricts access to abstracts only, with full reports available upon request.
Research Partnerships
DepEd encourages partnerships with various institutions to strengthen research initiatives:
- State universities/colleges and other academic institutions
- Development partners
- Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs)
- Other Government Agencies / Local Government Units (LGUs)
- Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs)
These partnerships can support:
- Capacity building: Providing technical assistance and training for DepEd personnel
- Resource sharing: Exchanging research databases and materials
- Research grants and funding: Expanding opportunities for DepEd researchers
- Collaborative research projects: Combining expertise and resources for more comprehensive studies
To engage in research partnerships, follow the guidelines outlined in DepEd Order No. 16, s. 2017, which include executing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with partner institutions.
Challenges and Opportunities in Action Research
While action research offers numerous benefits, DepEd personnel may face challenges in conducting and reporting their studies. Common obstacles include:
- Time constraints due to teaching responsibilities
- Limited resources or funding
- Lack of research experience or expertise
- Difficulty in maintaining objectivity when studying one’s own practice
- Resistance to change from colleagues or administrators
To address these challenges:
- Start with small-scale projects and gradually expand your research scope
- Collaborate with colleagues to share the workload and pool resources
- Seek mentorship from experienced researchers or university partners
- Participate in professional development opportunities related to research methods
- Communicate the value of action research to stakeholders to gain support
Despite these challenges, action research presents significant opportunities for professional growth and educational improvement. By engaging in systematic inquiry, DepEd personnel can:
- Develop a deeper understanding of their teaching practice
- Contribute to the knowledge base of effective educational strategies
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement in their schools
- Empower themselves as agents of change in the education system
- Bridge the gap between theory and practice in education
Conclusion
Writing an action research report is a valuable professional development activity for DepEd personnel. By following the guidelines outlined in this article and adhering to DepEd policies, educators can produce high-quality research that contributes to the improvement of teaching and learning in Philippine schools. Through systematic inquiry and reflection, action research empowers teachers to become active agents of positive change in their classrooms and beyond.
As DepEd continues to prioritize evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement, the role of action research in shaping educational practices will only grow in importance. By embracing action research as a tool for professional growth and educational enhancement, DepEd personnel can play a crucial role in advancing the quality of education in the Philippines.
This article, “Writing Action Research Reports: DepEd Personnel Guide,” was authored by Mark Anthony Llego and published on August 13, 2024.