Classroom Action Research

What is Classroom Action Research?

Classroom Action Research (CAR) is a reflective process in which instructors gather empirical data to improve their teaching practices. “It is the integration of teaching and scholarship where instructors use data readily available from their classes to answer practical questions about teaching and learning in their classrooms,” explains Gwynn Mettetal (2015). It is less formal than traditional educational research but more systematic and data-based than teacher reflection.

How can CLT help at each step?

CLT staff members support faculty throughout the process by working with them on the refining research question(s) and collecting and analyzing data. CLT could also help instructors disseminate their findings with the AUC and the international community via workshops, symposia, conference presentations or publications.

What are the steps involved? How can CLT help at each step?

1. Define problem
2. Literature review
3. Research strategy
4. Data collection
5. Data analysis/interpretation and reporting on results
6. Taking action (in the classroom based on findings)  
7. Disseminating CAR findings

Examples of Past CARs

• Iman Soliman “An exploratory study of Arabic language teachers’ beliefs towards the integration of teaching dialect with teaching Modern Standard Arabic” (Arabic Language Instruction Department - 2014)
• Hala Abdelwahab, “Using Student Response System for Self and Peer Assessment in an Arabic Context” (Arabic Language Instruction Department - 2017)
• Susanne Rizzo, "Investigating the Potential and Effectiveness of a Blended Format for the Academic Reading Module Course Redesign" (English Language Instruction Department - 2018)
• Nermeen Shehata, Caroline Mitry, Maha Shawki, and Moataz El-Helaly. "Incorporating Nearpod in undergraduate financial accounting classes in Egypt" (Accounting Department- 2020)
• Andreas Kakarougkas and Reham Abdellatif, “A Flipped classroom Approach and Digital Learning in an Undergraduate Molecular Biology Course”(Biology Department - 2022)