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Building a culture of Inquiry.

Action Research in everyday school practice.

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The Problem?

Have you experienced a problem in the classroom that had limited strategies?

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Is there something in your class that is not working right now?

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Improving student outcomes

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@ASCSdubai

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What is action Research

A systematic, reflective process of inquiry by educators�

Key stages: Plan → Act → Observe → Reflect�

Focus: solving real classroom/school challenges

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@ASCSdubai

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Why Action Research

Continuous improvement cycle�

Evidence-based decision making�

Empowers teachers as researchers�

Enhances student outcomes

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@ASCSdubai

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Collaboration with University of Birmingham

Phil introduced Action Research- The stone in the shoe

Staff sign up- school level

University of Birmingham sessions

School sessions and mentoring

School Showcase April 2025

Staff presented at the University of Birmingham May 2025

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@ASCSdubai

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School culture and build sustainability

Leadership support & vision�

Training staff in research methods�

Collaborative professional learning communities (PLCs)�

Time allocation for inquiry & reflection�

Sharing findings in staff forums and school showcase

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@ASCSdubai

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Benefits of Action Research

Builds a culture of collaboration and inquiry�

Connects theory with practice�

Develops teacher leadership & professional growth�

Promotes innovation and inclusive strategies

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@ASCSdubai

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Stone in the shoe- What strategies can be used to support twice-exceptional learners in Foundation stage and Secondary gifted students?

Data Collection- Methodology

Qualitative-

  • Children’s work in FS
  • Observations in FS
  • Curriculum compactor
  • Rubric for secondary observation - subject deep dives
  • Advanced learner plans

Quantitative-

  • Tracking of internal and external progress and attainment data
  • Teacher observation data
  • Student questionnaire

Sample-

  • Foundation Stage Students- identified as gifted and and talented- Age- 4 years
  • Secondary- Year groups 7-9- total 2 per year group

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@ASCSdubai

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@ASCSdubai

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Challenges/Enablers

Challenges:

  • Time constraints
  • Staff confidence in research methods
  • Sustaining momentum

Enablers:

  • Senior leadership backing
  • Professional development
  • Recognition & celebration of research outcomes

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@ASCSdubai

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Summary

Teacher reflection and skills- 95% of researchers stated it sharpened their own thinking and student understanding

Student achievement- 100% of researchers said it had and impact on student outcome

Professional Growth- 100% Improved teaching and learning practices, competency and self efficacy.

Broader benefits

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@ASCSdubai

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Key takeaways

Action research = culture of inquiry & reflection, bringing educators together.�

Empowers staff and supports them to be stronger practitioners

Real world change, richness of research, invoke change�

Small steps → big cultural shifts�Together, we grow a learning community

How could action research help address a current challenge in our school?

@ASCSdubai