A Study of Perception and Capability to Undertake Action Research Among Lecturers at a Polytechnic in Sarawak

Abstract

Abstract:This study aims to survey the perception and capability of lecturers in a polytechnic in Sarawak to undertake action research. It is conducted among 39 lecturers from the General Studies Department. The findings of this study show that the lecturers perceived that doing action research involved a lot of time, it can be done at minimum expense and action research can build trustworthiness or reliability. Besides, doing action research requires an effort and guidance is needed in doing action research, especially for novice lecturer-researchers. In terms of capability, most lecturers can distinguish the different parts of action research and able to cite authors appropriately. However, some lecturers are not familiar with the MLS and APA formats. It was also found that most lecturers conducted action research for their professional growth. The study recommended several implications for institutional administrators to enhance polytechnic lecturers' abilities in conducting action research.

Research Capability of Teachers: Its Correlates, Determinants and Implications for Continuing Professional Development

“…The teacher-respondents had a positive attitude toward doing research and its benefits in their teaching (Ulla et al, 2017). Kho et al (2017) made known that lecturers can distinguish different parts of action research and were able to cite the authors appropriately. Pati (2014) disclosed that teachers had a high perception in researching terms of image, but in terms of time, cost, technicality, and efforts, their attitudes-based perception got low.…”