A handbook for Exploratory Action Research

 
How can I explore? | 
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Task 5.8
If you have decided to use questionnaires, interviews or classroom observations as your main methods to collect data, 
then before you start collecting it, use the following checklist as a guide to keep track of the different things to consider.
If possible, ask someone – a colleague or critical friend – to help you while you’re planning. Otherwise, ask yourself the 
questions, as self-critically as you can! 
Once you have decided on a topic, identified your exploratory questions and decided on the kinds of data you need to 
collect, we suggest that you organise a research schedule. A research schedule is a useful way to keep a note of different 
actions you need to take in your research process and the time you will need for each one.
In order to help you with this, we have listed below some of the things you may need to do during the data-collecting 
process. We have also suggested an estimated time you need to dedicate to the exploratory phase of research (from
11 to 14 weeks), but please remember that the timings are only suggestions based on our experience – they may vary
due to a number of factors. Read more about the different steps overleaf.
Research method 
Things to consider
Check 
✓
Questionnaires
1. Have I prepared the questions?
2. Are my questions easy to understand?
3. Have I used a variety of question formats?
4. Is my questionnaire brief enough? 
5. Are my questions relevant to the main issue explored?
6. Have I asked a colleague to check my questionnaire?
7. Have I asked a student from a different class to answer the questionnaire
(to ‘pilot’ it)?
Interviews
1. Have I prepared the questions?
2. Have I planned additional question?
3. Are my questions easy to understand?
4. Have I chosen a date and time for the interviews?
5. Have I chosen a place for the interviews?
6. If I will record, have I prepared a recording device?
7. If I will take notes, have I decided where and how I will take notes?
Classroom observations
1. Have I decided the areas to focus the observation?
2. Have I asked a colleague to observe my class? 
3. Have I informed my colleague about the focus of the observation?
4. If I will record, have I informed my students they will be recorded? 
5. Have I chosen a date and time for the observation?
6. If I will record, have I prepared a recording device and planned where to 
place it?
7. If I will take notes, have I decided where and how I will take notes? 
8. Have I chosen a date and time for the observation?

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