Identification of the problem



 IDENTIFYING A PROBLEM

You have read earlier that identifying a problem is the first step in action research.

 DIFFERENT AREAS FOR ACTION RESEARCH Action research, being a scientific method of solving immediate problems in the school set up, could emerge from any of the following areas. ACADEMIC - Classroom situation, methods of teaching, student learning, problems of disabled children and the like.

SOCIAL - late coming, not doing home assignments, poor attendance, lack of co-operation of students, lack of physical amenities, student discipline and the like

CURRICULAR - textbooks, time bound syllabus, MLLs, lack of teachers’ handbooks, mismatch of age and content, gaps in information and guidance to teachers, arrangement of content, coverage of subject areas etc.

EVALUATION - test types (achievement tests, diagnostic tests etc.), periodicity of testing, scoring, giving feedback and the like. ADMINISTRATIVE - planning, training, framing time-table and the like.

PROFESSIONAL – Self growth, desirable attitudes, motivation, leadership and the like.

We can further narrow down these areas into some major concerns which might be hindrances in the smooth functioning of the school. Study the following areas of concern.


 * 1) Late submission of assignments by students
 * 2) Consistent low achievement in academic subjects
 * 3) Unruly behavior of the students
 * 4) Pronunciation problems of the students
 * 5) Lack of reading habits among teachers
 * 6) Lack of co-operation among teachers.