Research drives improvements in teaching, curriculum design and student learning. Action research is especially valuable for educators seeking evidence-based, context-specific solutions to challenges in the classroom. The Education & Training Foundation explains that action research “involves practitioners investigating their own teaching (that’s the ‘research’) and then using what they find out to make improvements (that’s the ‘action’).”
By analyzing their instructional practices and making data-driven adjustments, educators can enhance learning outcomes and contribute to school-wide innovation. The Southern Oregon University (SOU) online Master of Science in Education (MSEd) with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction program prepares teachers to apply action research effectively. They have the skills to assess, refine and improve education strategies.
What Is Action Research?
Action research is a structured process in which educators identify an issue, develop an intervention, analyze its impact and refine their approach based on findings. This iterative cycle ensures that real-world data and student outcomes inform changes in teaching strategies.
According to TES Magazine, action research enables teachers to test new methods, collect data from multiple sources and adapt solutions to their unique classroom settings. Unlike large-scale educational studies, action research occurs within a single school or classroom, making it highly relevant and immediately applicable to students’ needs.
Action Research in Education
Action research leads to more effective instruction and improved student outcomes. By analyzing real-world classroom data, teachers can iterate on their approaches to enhance student outcomes. This continuous cycle of evaluation and adaptation enables dynamic teaching responsive to student needs.
Beyond improving student learning, action research fosters professional growth by developing educators’ critical thinking, problem-solving and reflective teaching skills. Action research also promotes collaboration, as teachers share findings and best practices to create a culture of continuous improvement within schools. This exchange of knowledge strengthens instructional effectiveness across grade levels and subject areas.
As TES Magazine highlights, action research is particularly valuable because it is conducted within a teacher’s classroom or school, making it highly relevant and immediately applicable. Unlike broad educational studies, this approach allows teachers to tailor strategies to their learning environments, ensuring meaningful and context-specific instructional changes.
Action Research Examples
There is no one-size-fits-all method for implementing action research. The effectiveness of action research is evident in the following real-world case studies:
- Edutopia highlights how teachers at the Siena School used action research to refine their assessment strategies. By studying the effectiveness of authentic assessments (such as student-driven projects rather than standardized tests), they improved their ability to provide meaningful feedback.
- TES Magazine shares an example of a school investigating whether increased physical activity before lessons led to higher literacy and numeracy scores. The study found that students who engaged in brief physical activity before class performed better on assessments.
- An article published in Practical Assessment, Research, and Evaluation presents a case study of a sixth-grade teacher who used action research to address low student engagement in virtual learning. By implementing small-group instruction and peer feedback, she observed improved student participation and higher-quality academic work, ultimately refining her teaching approach based on survey data and performance assessments.
By systematically evaluating teaching methods, educators can refine their approaches and ensure they meet the evolving needs of their students. A structured graduate program, such as an MSEd, equips educators with the research skills necessary to apply action research effectively in their classrooms and institutions.
What Is an MSEd Degree?
An MSEd degree is designed for educators looking to expand their expertise in curriculum development, instructional strategies and educational research. This graduate degree emphasizes data-driven teaching methods and research-based decision-making, equipping professionals with the skills to assess and refine learning practices. By studying curriculum design, assessment strategies and research methodologies, MSEd students develop the ability to implement instructional improvements that enhance student outcomes and support continuous professional growth.
Earning an MSEd opens doors to a variety of careers beyond the classroom. According to Indeed, professionals with a curriculum and instruction degree can pursue roles such as instructional manager, academic coach and education specialist. Many go on to leadership positions in school administration, corporate training or curriculum development, where they apply their expertise to shape instructional programs and improve learning systems across diverse educational settings.
Preparing for Action With an Advanced C&I Degree From SOU
SOU’s online MSEd in Curriculum and Instruction program gives educators the tools to conduct action research effectively. Courses like Introduction to Educational Research cover quantitative, qualitative and action research methods. The Study Proposal and Design course helps students structure and implement research-based strategies. The Assessment Research and Strategies for Learning course teaches how to refine teaching methods through assessment tools and data use, and the Curriculum Design and Educational Change course focuses on applying research-driven approaches to curriculum development.
By mastering action research, graduates are prepared to improve instructional strategies, enhance student outcomes and contribute to meaningful school-wide improvements. SOU’s online MSEd program helps students implement action research and drive lasting change in education.
Learn more about SOU’s online MSEd with a Concentration in Curriculum and Instruction program.
