The Department of Education (DepEd) in the Philippines emphasizes evidence-based decision-making to enhance the quality of basic education. As part of this commitment, DepEd encourages its personnel to conduct action research to address classroom problems and educational issues. Survey research serves as a crucial tool for assessing situations and gathering data to inform action research projects. This article provides a thorough guide for DepEd personnel on designing and implementing survey research as part of the initial assessment phase of action research.

Table of Contents

The Role of Survey Research in Action Research

Survey research plays a vital role in the action research process, particularly during the “assessing the situation” stage (Stage 1 of the Action Research cycle). This method allows researchers to systematically collect information from a sample of individuals through standardized questionnaires or interviews. For DepEd personnel, survey research can serve several critical functions:

Problem Identification: Surveys can help pinpoint specific issues or challenges within the classroom, school, or educational system.
Baseline Data Collection: Gathering initial data on student performance, attitudes, or behaviors provides a starting point for measuring the impact of interventions.
Needs Assessment: Surveys can reveal the requirements and preferences of students, teachers, or the broader school community.
Exploration of Potential Solutions: By asking targeted questions, surveys can help identify possible interventions or approaches to address educational challenges.

The efficiency of survey research in gathering both quantitative and qualitative data from a relatively large number of participants makes it an invaluable tool for DepEd personnel engaged in action research.

Alignment with the Basic Education Research Agenda

When designing survey research, DepEd personnel should consider aligning their studies with the Basic Education Research Agenda (DepEd Order No. 39, s. 2016). This agenda outlines four main thematic areas:

Teaching and Learning
Child Protection
Human Resource Development
Governance

Survey research can be tailored to address specific questions within these themes. For example:

Teaching and Learning: Surveys on instructional strategies, curriculum implementation, or assessment practices
Child Protection: Surveys on school safety, bullying prevention, or student well-being
Human Resource Development: Surveys on teacher training needs, professional development effectiveness, or staff satisfaction
Governance: Surveys on school leadership, community engagement, or policy implementation

By aligning survey research with these themes, DepEd personnel can ensure their studies contribute to the broader goals of the education system and may be eligible for funding through the Basic Education Research Fund (BERF).

Types of Survey Research

DepEd personnel should be familiar with two main types of survey research:

1. Cross-sectional Surveys

Cross-sectional surveys collect data from a sample at a single point in time. This approach is particularly useful for:

Comparing different groups within a population (e.g., students across grade levels or schools)
Measuring current attitudes, practices, or performance levels
Establishing relationships between variables (e.g., study habits and academic performance)
Providing a snapshot of the current educational landscape

Example: A cross-sectional survey might assess teachers’ technology use across different subject areas or grade levels within a school district.

2. Longitudinal Surveys

Longitudinal surveys gather data from the same sample over an extended period. This method is valuable for:

Tracking changes in attitudes, behaviors, or performance over time
Identifying trends or patterns in educational outcomes
Evaluating the long-term impact of interventions or programs
Studying developmental changes in students

Example: A longitudinal survey could track student attitudes towards reading throughout their elementary school years.

While cross-sectional surveys are often more practical for short-term action research projects due to time and resource constraints, longitudinal surveys can provide valuable insights for longer-term studies or school-wide initiatives.

Detailed Steps in Designing Survey Research

1. Define the Research Objectives

Begin by clearly stating the purpose of your survey and the specific questions you want to answer. This step is crucial as it guides all subsequent decisions in the research process. Consider the following when defining your objectives:

Specificity: Ensure your objectives are clear and focused.
Measurability: Frame objectives in a way that allows for quantifiable results.
Relevance: Align objectives with the broader goals of your action research and the Basic Education Research Agenda.

Examples of well-defined research objectives:

To determine the percentage of students who have access to digital devices for learning at home
To identify the most common challenges teachers face when implementing project-based learning
To measure the correlation between parental involvement and student academic performance

2. Identify the Target Population and Sampling Method

Determine who you need to survey to achieve your research objectives. This step involves several key considerations:

a) Define the population:

Who are you interested in studying? (e.g., all students in a school, teachers of a specific subject, parents of elementary students)
What are the characteristics of this population?

b) Decide on sampling:

Will you survey the entire population or select a sample?
If selecting a sample, what sampling method will you use?

c) Choose a sampling method:

Random sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected.
Stratified sampling: The population is divided into subgroups (strata) based on certain characteristics, and samples are taken from each stratum.
Cluster sampling: The population is divided into clusters (e.g., schools), and a random sample of clusters is selected.
Convenience sampling: Participants are selected based on their accessibility and willingness to participate.

d) Determine sample size:

Consider factors such as population size, desired confidence level, and margin of error.
Use sample size calculators or consult with statisticians to ensure your sample is large enough for reliable results.

3. Choose the Survey Method

Select the most appropriate method for administering your survey, considering factors such as cost, time, accessibility, and the nature of the information you need to collect. Common survey methods include:

a) Paper-and-pencil questionnaires:

Advantages: Familiar format, no technology required, can be administered in group settings
Disadvantages: Time-consuming to distribute and collect, potential for data entry errors

b) Online surveys:

Advantages: Cost-effective, easy to distribute, automatic data collection
Disadvantages: Requires internet access, potential for low response rates

c) Face-to-face interviews:

Advantages: High response rates, ability to clarify questions, opportunity for in-depth responses
Disadvantages: Time-consuming, potential for interviewer bias

d) Telephone interviews:

Advantages: Faster than face-to-face interviews, can reach geographically dispersed participants
Disadvantages: Limited to those with phone access, potential for response bias

Consider using a mixed-method approach, combining two or more survey methods to overcome the limitations of any single method and improve the validity of your results.

4. Develop the Survey Instrument

Create your questionnaire or interview guide, paying careful attention to the following elements:

a) Types of questions:

Closed-ended questions: Provide predetermined response options (e.g., multiple choice, Likert scales)
Open-ended questions: Allow respondents to provide their own answers
Consider using a mix of both types to gather both quantitative and qualitative data

b) Question wording:

Use clear, concise language
Avoid leading or biased questions
Ensure questions are relevant to your research objectives

c) Question order:

Start with easy, non-threatening questions to build rapport
Group related questions together
Place sensitive questions towards the end of the survey

d) Response options:

For closed-ended questions, provide mutually exclusive and exhaustive options
Consider using Likert scales for attitude or opinion questions (e.g., strongly disagree to strongly agree)
Include “Not applicable” or “Don’t know” options when appropriate

e) Survey length and formatting:

Keep the survey as short as possible while still meeting your research objectives
Use a clear, easy-to-read layout
Provide clear instructions for completing the survey

5. Pilot Test the Survey

Before full implementation, test your survey instrument with a small group of respondents similar to your target population. This crucial step helps identify:

Unclear or ambiguous questions
Issues with survey length or format
Potential problems with data analysis
Unforeseen challenges in survey administration

During the pilot test:

Administer the survey to a small group (typically 5-10 individuals)
Ask participants to provide feedback on their experience
Analyze the pilot data to ensure questions are yielding useful information
Revise the survey based on feedback and analysis results

6. Administer the Survey

Implement your survey according to your chosen method. Consider the following factors:

a) Timing of survey administration:

Choose a time when participants are likely to be available and receptive
Avoid periods of high stress (e.g., exam weeks) or holidays

b) Instructions for respondents:

Provide clear, written instructions at the beginning of the survey
Include information about the purpose of the survey and how results will be used
Specify the estimated time required to complete the survey

c) Follow-up procedures:

Send reminders to non-respondents to improve response rates
Consider offering incentives for participation (if appropriate and approved)

d) Data collection period:

Set a specific timeframe for data collection
Monitor response rates and adjust strategies if necessary

7. Analyze the Data

Process and analyze the collected data using appropriate statistical methods or qualitative analysis techniques:

a) Quantitative data analysis:

Use descriptive statistics (e.g., means, frequencies, percentages) to summarize data
Apply inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, regression) to test hypotheses and examine relationships between variables
Consider using statistical software like SPSS, R, or Excel for complex analyses

b) Qualitative data analysis:

Code open-ended responses to identify themes and patterns
Use content analysis techniques to categorize and interpret qualitative data
Consider using qualitative data analysis software like NVivo or Atlas.ti for large datasets

c) Data cleaning:

Check for and handle missing data
Identify and address outliers or inconsistent responses

8. Interpret and Report Results

Draw conclusions based on your analysis and prepare a comprehensive report summarizing your findings, implications, and recommendations for action:

a) Structure your report:

Executive summary
Introduction and background
Methodology
Results
Discussion
Conclusions and recommendations
Appendices (e.g., survey instrument, detailed statistical tables)

b) Present findings clearly:

Use tables, charts, and graphs to visualize data
Provide both statistical results and practical interpretations
Address each research objective

c) Discuss implications:

Relate findings to existing literature and theories
Explain how results can inform educational practice or policy

d) Offer recommendations:

Suggest specific actions based on your findings
Propose areas for further research or investigation

Ethical Considerations in Survey Research

DepEd personnel must adhere to strict ethical guidelines when conducting survey research to protect participants and ensure the integrity of the research process:

Informed Consent: Obtain voluntary, informed consent from all participants (and parents/guardians for minors) before conducting the survey. Provide clear information about:

The purpose of the study
What participation involves
How data will be used and protected
Any potential risks or benefits

Confidentiality and Anonymity: Ensure the privacy of respondents by:

Using anonymous surveys when possible
Securely storing and handling data
Reporting results in aggregate form to prevent identification of individuals

Avoiding Harm: Design surveys to minimize any potential distress or discomfort to participants:

Avoid sensitive or intrusive questions unless absolutely necessary
Provide support resources if discussing potentially upsetting topics

Voluntary Participation: Make it clear that participation is voluntary and that participants can:

Skip any questions they are uncomfortable answering
Withdraw from the study at any time without penalty

Data Protection: Implement measures to protect collected data:

Use secure, password-protected storage systems
Limit access to raw data to authorized personnel only
Have a plan for data destruction after the research is complete

Transparency: Be open about the research process and findings:

Share results with participants and stakeholders
Be honest about any limitations or potential biases in the study

Cultural Sensitivity: Ensure that survey content and administration methods are appropriate for the cultural context of the participants:

Consider language and literacy levels
Be aware of cultural norms and sensitivities

Institutional Approval: Obtain necessary approvals from DepEd and any relevant ethics committees before conducting the research.

Special Considerations for Indigenous Peoples Education

When conducting survey research involving Indigenous Cultural Communities (ICCs), DepEd personnel must adhere to additional ethical considerations and guidelines:

Free, Prior, and Informed Consent: Obtain consent from the community through its recognized representatives or elders involved in Indigenous Peoples Education (IPEd) implementation.
Cultural Respect: Ensure that survey questions and methods respect the community’s cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions.
Language: Provide surveys in the native language of the community when possible, or use qualified translators.
Benefit Sharing: Clearly communicate how the research will benefit the community and involve them in the research process where appropriate.
Intellectual Property Rights: Recognize the community’s rights to their traditional knowledge and cultural expressions.
Community Validation: Allow the community to review and validate research findings before publication or dissemination.
Capacity Building: Where possible, involve community members in the research process to build local research capacity.

Challenges and Limitations of Survey Research

While survey research is a powerful tool for assessing situations, DepEd personnel should be aware of its potential limitations and challenges:

Response Bias: Participants may provide socially desirable answers rather than their true opinions. To mitigate this:

Use anonymous surveys when possible
Frame questions in a neutral manner
Include social desirability scales in your survey

Low Response Rates: This can lead to non-representative samples and biased results. To improve response rates:

Send reminders to non-respondents
Keep surveys concise and engaging
Offer incentives for participation (if appropriate)
Use mixed-mode surveys (e.g., offering both online and paper options)

Self-reported Data: Responses may not always accurately reflect actual behaviors or attitudes. To address this:

Use validated scales when possible
Triangulate data with other sources (e.g., observations, records)
Include questions that check for consistency in responses

Limited Depth: Surveys may not capture the full complexity of educational issues. Consider:

Including open-ended questions for more detailed responses
Following up surveys with focus groups or interviews for in-depth exploration
Using mixed methods research designs

Misinterpretation of Questions: Respondents may understand questions differently than intended. To minimize this:

Use clear, simple language
Provide definitions for key terms
Pilot test the survey and revise based on feedback

Sampling Errors: The sample may not accurately represent the population. To reduce sampling errors:

Use appropriate sampling techniques
Ensure adequate sample size
Weight data if necessary to adjust for under- or over-represented groups

Technological Issues: For online surveys, technical problems can affect response rates and data quality. To address this:

Test the survey on multiple devices and browsers
Provide technical support for respondents
Have a backup method for survey administration

Longitudinal Attrition: For longitudinal surveys, participants may drop out over time, leading to biased results. To minimize attrition:

Maintain regular contact with participants
Provide incentives for continued participation
Plan for attrition in your initial sample size calculations

Integrating Survey Research with Learning Action Cells (LACs)

Learning Action Cells (LACs) provide an excellent platform for collaborative learning and problem-solving among DepEd personnel. Survey research can be effectively integrated into LAC sessions in several ways:

Collaborative Survey Design: Use LAC sessions to collaboratively design surveys, ensuring that multiple perspectives are considered.
Peer Review: Present draft surveys during LAC meetings for peer review and feedback.
Data Analysis Workshops: Conduct LAC sessions focused on analyzing and interpreting survey data, promoting collective understanding and insights.
Action Planning: Use survey results as a basis for action planning discussions in LAC meetings.
Sharing Best Practices: Dedicate LAC sessions to sharing experiences and best practices in survey research design and implementation.
Capacity Building: Organize LAC sessions focused on developing survey research skills among team members.

Technology Integration in Survey Research

Given DepEd’s focus on Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in education, integrating technology into survey research can enhance efficiency and effectiveness:

Online Survey Platforms: Utilize user-friendly platforms like Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, or Qualtrics for creating and distributing online surveys.
Mobile Data Collection: Use mobile apps for data collection, especially useful for field-based surveys.
Data Analysis Software: Employ statistical software like SPSS, R, or even Excel for data analysis and visualization.
Cloud Storage: Use secure cloud storage solutions for collaborative data management and analysis.
Virtual Meeting Platforms: Conduct virtual focus groups or interviews using platforms like Zoom or Google Meet when face-to-face meetings are not feasible.
Automated Reporting Tools: Utilize tools that can generate automated reports from survey data, saving time in the analysis phase.

Local Contextualization of Survey Research

Adapting survey research to the specific contexts of different regions and schools in the Philippines is crucial for generating relevant and actionable insights:

Language Adaptation: Translate surveys into local languages or dialects as needed, ensuring that questions are culturally appropriate and easily understood.
Cultural Sensitivity: Consider local customs, beliefs, and practices when designing survey questions and administration methods.
Regional Issues: Include questions that address specific educational challenges or priorities in the local area.
Community Involvement: Engage local community leaders or stakeholders in the survey design process to ensure relevance and buy-in.
Seasonal Considerations: Plan survey administration around local events, agricultural seasons, or other factors that might affect participation.
Resource Availability: Tailor survey methods to the available resources and infrastructure in each location (e.g., using paper surveys in areas with limited internet access).

Capacity Building for DepEd Personnel in Survey Research

To enhance the quality of survey research conducted by DepEd personnel, consider the following capacity-building strategies:

Training Workshops: Organize regular workshops on survey design, data analysis, and research ethics.
Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced researchers with novice survey designers for ongoing support and guidance.
Online Learning Resources: Develop or curate online modules and resources on survey research methodologies.
Collaborative Research Projects: Encourage cross-school or cross-division research projects to promote peer learning.
Conference Participation: Support attendance at research conferences to expose personnel to current trends and best practices in survey research.
Partnerships with Higher Education Institutions: Collaborate with universities for advanced training and support in survey research methodologies.

Policy Implications of Survey Research

Survey research can significantly inform DepEd policy at various levels:

School-level Policies: Use survey results to inform school improvement plans, resource allocation, and instructional strategies.
Division-level Policies: Aggregate survey data across schools to identify division-wide trends and inform division-level initiatives.
Regional Policies: Use survey research to understand regional disparities and tailor policies to address specific regional needs.
National Policies: Incorporate survey findings into national policy discussions, curriculum development, and teacher training programs.
Evidence-based Decision Making: Encourage the use of survey data in all levels of educational decision-making to promote evidence-based practices.
Policy Evaluation: Use surveys as a tool for evaluating the implementation and effectiveness of existing policies.

Conclusion

Survey research is an invaluable method for DepEd personnel to assess situations and gather data to inform action research projects. By following a systematic approach to survey design and implementation, educators can collect reliable and valid information to guide their decision-making and improve educational practices. The process requires careful planning, from defining clear research objectives to analyzing and reporting results.

While surveys offer many advantages, including the ability to collect data from large samples efficiently, it is essential to consider their limitations and potential challenges. By addressing these issues through careful design, implementation, and analysis, DepEd personnel can maximize the benefits of survey research.

As with any research method, it is crucial to consider ethical implications when using surveys in educational settings. Protecting participants’ rights, ensuring confidentiality, and maintaining research integrity should be paramount throughout the research process.

By applying the principles and strategies outlined in this guide, DepEd personnel can conduct high-quality survey research that provides valuable insights to support evidence-based improvements in Philippine basic education. This approach not only enhances the effectiveness of action research projects but also contributes to the broader goal of continuous improvement in educational practices and outcomes.

The integration of survey research with Learning Action Cells, technology, and local contextualization further enhances its potential impact. As DepEd continues to build capacity in research among its personnel and align studies with the Basic Education Research Agenda, survey research will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of education in the Philippines.

Copyright Notice:

This article, “DepEd Survey Research Guide: Designing Effective Assessments for Action Research,” was authored by Mark Anthony Llego and published on August 9, 2024.