Lecturers and teachers can improve their teaching methodologies through so called “action research” which can be applied to their teaching. Research skills are therefore necessary for teachers and lecturers. In line with this, VVOB organized “Action Research Workshop” for the core group members of 5 TTIs (Hanoi, May 16 & 17, 2013)
Twenty five teachers- trainers (teaching methodology and research core group members) of 5 Teacher Training Institutes (TTIs) participated in this workshop with the objectives of:
- Sharing experiences and exchanging expertise on action research conducted in the 5 TTIs;
- Enhancing research capacity for the core group members by addressing advanced research skills
The workshop was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Van Le Hang, an action research expert in Vietnam. The trainees obtained deeper understanding on how to define an action research topic – this topic must consist of research problem, objective and alternatives. They also shared their experiences with action research and through this exchanged they could learn from each other on design, attitudinal scales and more. One part of the workshop particularly attracted the participants’ attention and interest because it is one of the challenges when conducting research: research data analysis including data description, comparison and relation. There was consensus among trainees that a mix of qualitative and quantitative methods is the best approach in action research to ensure the value of research.
The workshop’s atmosphere was positive and friendly. The participants valued the enthusiasm of the trainer and considered the workshop effective, useful with relevant contents and meeting their expectations. About 1/5 considered the trainer’s teaching methods as very relevant (21% of participants) and the rest of the group rated this as relevant (79%). This shows the healthy critical attitude of these lecturers and raises the expectations towards their own teaching methods.
Trainees are now expected to contribute to the development of an active action research environment in their institute, thus contributing to the improvement of local education quality. Specifically, they will act as trainers in multiplication trainings for their colleague lecturers and for teachers in practice schools to improve their research skills. Multiplication trainings have been planned and listed in 5 TTIs’ Education Innovation Plans and will be conducted in June and July 2013.
