Tips

You can tap the research skills of teachers or graduate students in the community to help the participants.

Political science students at Bukidnon State College, Malaybalay, Bukidnon, Philippines did an action research on a traffic problem at the intersection in front of the campus. A 10-minute video documentary was used to inform the community's local government officials and members of civic organizations about this problem that needed immediate attention to avoid a major accident.

The teacher forgot to forewarn the students that the results of their action research may not get a positive response from the local government officials. Therefore, the indifferent and arrogant responses of some officials and members of civic organizations intimidated some of the students. In this example, the difficulties in conducting an action research included: 1) Lack of sufficient time for the batch of students who initiated the project the complete the artwork; and 2) Lack of enthusiasm of the succeeding batch of students who had to complete the project. From the feedback of the participants, they thought it was a great way to learn outside the classroom except that they were not prepared to have face to face dialogue with the officials who were supposed to be responsible for the traffic problem but who saw it as a petty problem.

Name of Participant:

Date and time of observation/interview:

I. RESEARCH QUESTION:

II. ANSWERS: (You may use extra sheets if needed)

III. My positive feelings during the observation or interview and later reflection.

IV. My negative feelings during the observation or interview and later reflection.

V. The new learning experiences that I gained during the observation or interview.

Name of observer:

Date:

Time began:

Name of street observed:

ended:

TOTAL

I. Private Vehicles

Motorcycle

Car

Private Utility Vehicle

Top-down

Bicycle

Pick-up

II. Commercial Vehicles

Motorela

Truck (small)

Truck (big)

Multicab (passenger utility vehicle)

Lawin (jeepney)

Bus

Van (carrier of passengers)

Panel (carrier of goods and merchandise)

III. Other Vehicles

Tanker (carrier of gasoline or water)

Ambulance

Military vehicle

GRAND TOTAL

Program

Specific objectives

Activities

Time frame

Expected output

Participants responsible

1. Information Drive

· To identify the key persons who should be informed of the results of the research, e.g., school officials, student leaders, barangay officials, traffic safety office, municipal or provincial office, radio stations, local newspapers, etc.
· To prepare a letter & press release that contain the research findings.

· Group meeting to decide to perform the following tasks:

- write letters
- write a news item
- send letters (hand carry if possible)
- keep a list of names to which letters are sent.

1 week

· Public awareness
· Response from the agencies concerned in the form of a letter or invitation to the researchers for more information or clarification.

Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D

2. Agency contacts

· To follow up letters sent
· To answer queries (if any)

· Make an appointment with agencies concerned to ask for their opinions about the problem, e.g., school heads, barangay officials, motorela drivers association, traffic agency, civic organizations or municipal officials (preferably in this order) Note: if the problem will be solved in the lower level, there is no need to go to a higher office.
· Visit officials who confirmed the appointments.

2 to 3 weeks

· Dialogue with school, community or local government officials.
· Written resolutions of concerned agencies that indicate concrete solutions to the traffic problem.

Group E

3. Push for implementation

· To get assurance or confirmation that the policy be formulated (if there is none) or that the policy be implemented (if already in existence).

· Attend local government's sessions or any civic organization's meeting that will discuss the traffic problem. Bring supporting documents.
· Write a news item for the school and local paper or radio to update the community for efforts toward solution of the problem, and to ask for their cooperation

1 month

· Policy making or policy implementation depending on which is applicable. Note: This may take place in the school, barangay, municipal or provincial level.

Group F
Group G

4. Support for implementation

· To decide on ways in which the researchers can assist in the implementation, e.g., donate one traffic sign board that says: "NON-PASSENGER VEHICLES - NO ENTRY - from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Monday through Friday."
· To link with other student organizations for possible collective assistance to government's implementation of policy.
· To update the public about the enforcement of the new policy or the implementation of an old policy through the media.

· Suggest ways in which the group can help implement, e.g., donate a sign board
· Write a thank you letter to organizations who responded to research findings.
· Write a news about government support or community support, and have it announced over the radio or printed in the local paper.

2 weeks

· Heightened awareness
· Adherence to traffic rules in Cudal Street
· Safety of passengers using Cudal Street

Group leaders

5. Evaluation

· To assess the success of the action research based on the objectives of this action plan.

· Select an appropriate evaluation instrument to assess the progress or success of the action research.

Should be ongoing

· Document to show success or failure of the action research as a basis for improving successive action researches.

All groups