Participatory Action Research for Developing Classroom Research Competencies of Teachers in Non-formal and Informal Education Center, Huai Mek District, Kalasin Province

Abstract

The objective of this study was to develop classroom research competencies of teachers in the Non-formal and Informal Education Center at Huai Mek District, Kalasin Province by using participatory action research in order for teachers to have knowledge and understanding and be able to do classroom action research according to the 5 steps of the research process which comprises defining research topic, writing research proposal, conducting research, analyzing data, and writing research report, based on participatory action research (PAR). The target group of this study consisted of the researcher and 7 co-researchers who were non-formal basic education teachers working at the Non-formal and Informal Education Center at Huai Mek District, Kalasin Province, obtained through purposive sampling. The instruments for collecting data consisted of a test, an observation form, an interview form, a supervision log, a research proposal assessment form, and a progress report of classroom action research assessment. The data examination adhered to the principle of data examination, and the results of the analysis of data were presented in a descriptive analysis.

The results revealed that:

1. Regarding the development of the knowledge and understanding competencies, the teachers gained more knowledge and understanding of classroom research. The posttest scores of developing classroom research competencies were 26.25 percent higher than the pretest scores.

2. Regarding the development of affective domain competencies, the teachers realized the importance of classroom research. Principles, concepts and theories of classroom research were applied in teacher’s teaching and learning development by producing classroom research.

3. Regarding the development of practical skill competencies, the teachers became skillful in doing classroom research. They were able to improve and develop their classroom research report writing accurately according to the 5 steps of doing classroom research.