Action research report

Title of the project: 'HOW TO COUNTERACT THE EFFECT OF FREE-RIDING TENDENCY IN GROUP WORKS, UNIVERSITY OF GONDAR, GONDAR, ETHIOPIA Meaning and concept of action Research Action research is a practical approach to professional inquiry in any social situation. The examples in this component relate to education and are therefore of particular relevance to teachers or lecturers engaged in their daily contact with children or students. But professional practice need not be teaching: it may be management or administration in a school or college, or it may be in an unrelated area, such as medicine or the social services.

Objective of the Action research The main purpose of this action research study is to look for the possible ways of how to counteract the effect of free-riding in students group works." This study is also designed to achieve the following specific objects: 1. To ascertain the tendency of free-riding in students group work; 2. To identify the causes for free-riding operations in students group work; and 3. To propose various strategies for instructors to counter free-riding in students group work. Implementation of class room action research Conducting classroom action research can be rewarding yet challenging endeavor. In the mean time, I understand that the group has passed the following steps. a. Identify a problem or research question(s). b. Plan the research which means that we incorporate a literature review and theory of understanding or conceptual framework. c. Collect and organize data. d. We analyze data and make interpretations. e. Reflect on the process and what we learned. f. Share findings and take action. g. Repeat the cycle with new questions or problems found in our research.
1

Action research report

Data Collection Instruments I am clear that open discussion was one of the main instruments to collect our data. Moreover, a questionnaire was used to collect relevant data.

Study Subjects All final year management regular degree students were the study subjects in the first phase of our action research. With the coordination of my colleagues, we were doing our analysis part through the feedback of the study subjects. In the finding part we were seen both positive & negative aspects of group work. Proposed actions: I am familiar that the following points were the proposed actions of the group. Restricting group size not to be greater than four Group formation Instructors strict control and follow up To mark the result according to their contribution sharing of activity among group member and scheduling group meetings

Implementing Action For the sake of implementing this action research we have selected the strategy-group size. Based on the reasons explained above, the team of researchers believed that this strategy would curve the problem of free riding. I understand that group size was selected among proposed actions. Because of time limitation it was difficult to implement all the proposed actions so that the final evaluation was based on size.
2

Action research report

Constraints of Action research I Lack of time

Doing action research demands ample time. Monitoring closely this practice as they are acting within it demands space and time which, almost by definition, the practice does not give easily. It is therefore difficult to maintain rigor in data gathering and critique. This was one of the major constraints to our action research that I have been observed. II Unfamiliarity with research methods

I am exploring what may constitute adequate research methods at the same time. This kind of 'on the job' training and consequent ad hoc planning, has led to accusation of unreliability in data gathering. Lack of action research idea leads us some confusion in our research. By making a thorough discussion with my group members the concept of action research has been solved. III. Action research creates confusion While I was starting this action research I was come across with misunderstanding of the concept of it. However, through a thorough discussion I am familiar on it and solve it IV. Action research is not general sable From this kind of research, reaching a conclusion or generalization is difficult. However, in this action research small group size was the major focus of the research. Success of our action research Following the best steps as well as conducting a thorough discussion to clarify ambiguous ideas in doing action research, it is clear that the research should be successful. Personally I evaluate it as one of the successful action researches in contrast with others.
Benefits that contribute to me in Doing action Research

It helps me to focus on students current problems It helps me to develop my profession

3

Action research report

It increase my interaction with my colleagues It helps me to reflect my view to one another Improved my way of communication