Action research as a means of course development in higher education: a case study

Abstract

Action Research has been used in many fields of endeavour as a useful means of improving practice. This article describes how this methodology was used to develop a programme of language learning at the University of the Free State. The researcher was tasked with the development and implementation of an English language access programme for students who do not comply with the traditional entrance requirements. This article briefly outlines the development, implementation and evaluation of an English literacy course for low-proficiency learners using Action Research as methodology. The methodology is explained as well as the reasons for selecting Action Research for this project. The researcher designed a model for the research process that is presented and described in the article. The article includes a brief description of the findings documented after each cycle of the research.

South African Journal of Higher Education Vol. 20 (3) 2006: 558-572