Welcome to Action Research at Adult Learning Wales
Empowering Educators Through Action Research
At ALW we believe action research can transform educational practices and outcomes. Our Action Research team are dedicated to supporting practitioners in their journey of continuous improvement through systematic inquiry and reflective practice.
Our Vision
“We aim to foster a culture of inquiry, action research, and reflection to drive best practice, support the growth of both out tutors and our learners…and enhance the learning experience for all.”
What is Action Research?
Action research is a tool that enables you to explore and enhance your own teaching practice, uncover valuable insights, and make meaningful improvements that benefit both you and your learners. Through action research, you can address the everyday challenges you encounter in your role, discovering practical solutions that support your professional growth and positively impact the learning environment and our organisation as a whole.
What Does Action Research Involve?
At its core, action research is a straightforward, cyclical process: identify a challenge, explore solutions, implement changes, and evaluate outcomes.
- Identify a Challenge – Start by pinpointing an issue or challenge in your learning environment
- Explore Solutions – Research ideas to generate possible approaches
- Engage Learners – Involve learners by gathering their feedback and insights. This ensures a sense of shared purpose and engagement
- Test Solutions – Implement your chosen strategies in your setting
- Evaluate and Reflect – Assess the results, through your own reflections and with feedback from learners. What was effective? What could be improved?
As action research is cyclical, the evaluation stage may lead you to uncover new questions and avenues to explore – so the process begins again!
Some key areas of focus for Action Research at Adult Learning Wales
- Embedding Bilingualism
- Digital Learning
- Teaching and Learning Strategies
- Managing Learner Behaviour
- Literacy and Numeracy
- Supporting Learners with Additional Learning Needs (ALN)
- Trauma-Informed Practice in Teaching and Learning
Can I Be an Action Researcher?
Absolutely – every practitioner can be an action researcher! Action research allows you to explore and address everyday challenges within your classroom/setting at ALW, helping you find practical solutions that benefit both you and your learners.
In fact, you may already be using aspects of action research in your teaching role without even realising it!
Success Stories
Read about the research journeys of educators in ALW who have successfully implemented action research in their practice. Discover how they tackled challenges, innovated solutions, and achieved remarkable outcomes.
Contact Us
Have questions or need support? Contact our team Alex Clarke and Clair Charalambous. We’re here to help you every step of the way.