A handbook for Exploratory Action Research

7.2 Javier’s story
In 7.3 below we’ll consider different possible sources for 
new actions, to help you define for yourself the desired 
change you’ll investigate in your own ‘action research’. 
First, though, let’s see what one teacher did, following
on from his exploration of a problematic situation. 
As we read in 6.3 in the last chapter, Javier Ávalos was 
experiencing problems with demotivation in his classes of 
disadvantaged learners. After analysing and interpreting 
his questionnaire results, Javier realised that he could not 
approach this class of learners in the same way he did with 
other classes. He knew that building their confidence and 
creating a warm and positive classroom atmosphere was a 
crucial first priority. He explains some of the things he did:
 “I used more ice-breakers, told jokes about work, home, 
couples, etc. Then, when they felt more comfortable, I 
started each class by explaining what we were going to 
do. Later in class, doing exercises, I started to monitor 
carefully, guiding them on every single item. If they made 
a mistake I explained why it was a mistake, but always with 
a phrase like “Whoa! You are doing it quite well, you did it 
wrong here, but it’s OK. Go on!!” and with those words, 
they smiled and asked me “Really?”, “Yes, sure!” Their 
confidence in English went up and the frustration went 
down immediately. Once, I created an activity in which the 
students had to create signs in English for different 
places, like supermarkets, malls, the metro, etc. The main 
idea was that they were already very familiar with many 
signs, and even if they don’t understand all the words, 
they could see the symbols well, and get the idea of the 
sign. In that workshop they understood that the daily 
context can help them to understand English. And I did 
things like this the whole year. I got more students in 
class, better participation and they felt much better with 
the language. At the same time, their marks were 
improving and, of course, the second term was better 
than the first one for the same reasons. Then I did the 
same survey again and the results were very positive.”