Action research: An approach for the teachers in higher education

Basically an action research is a spiral process that includes problem investigation, taking action & fact-finding about the result of action. It enables a teacher to adopt/craft most appropriate strategy within its own teaching environment. Objective: The objective of present work is to study the effectiveness & advantage of Action Research at higher education level. Bio-Statistics taken as difficult, dry & non-interesting subjects by most of the biological sciences students was selected for the study. Methodology: Practical Action Research (one of its mode) was chosen as a scheme of study to address the major problems of these students. Beginning the cycle of Action research, students views were collected & main problem areas was identified. Within our educational environment, solutions (Actions) were implicated & results were evaluated periodically. Each time modifications were made by symmetrical communication to students without any attempt to direct the outcome of deliberate process. Results: The students' response in form of behavior & class room assessments showed a positive change in their interest & understanding of the subject. Conclusion: The study concluded that at all educational levels, Action Research can be adopted to improve the teaching/learning outcomes & should also be practiced by university teachers as important educational strategy.