Sharing the results of action research studies conducted by teacher-researchers can help reduce the gap that exists between research/theory and practical application in educational settings.
Sharing the results of research studies also provides an opportunity for teacher-researchers to gain additional insight into their study and ultimate findings.
The act of sharing and celebrating the findings of action research can be a very rewarding professional experience and can empower educators to take the lead on educational improvements.
Results can be shared locally, with fellow teachers, students, and your district’s administration.
Keep any local presentation brief and focused, highlighting the following: background information, purpose of the study, methodology, results, conclusions, and action plan. Remember to always leave time at the end for questions and answers.
Action research communities can serve as outlets for sharing the results of action research, for lending encouragement and support to teachers, and for mentoring other teachers.
Results can also be shared at professional conferences and in academic journals.
Most professional conferences and journals are refereed, meaning that they use a blind peer-review process to determine the merits of a proposal submitted for presentation or publication.
When writing for a journal, it is important to keep your audience in mind, use a clear and reader-friendly writing style, and strive to keep your readers’ attention.
In increasing fashion, results of action research studies can be shared electronically via action research websites, electronic mailing lists, and electronic journals.
The act of communicating the results of your action research provides yet another opportunity to reflect not only on the topic of your investigation but also on the action research process itself.
