Initiating a professional development on action research during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

In the uncertain environment of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important that professional development for Malaysian educators continues, even if it cannot happen in person. In response, we developed this study to deliver online Continuous Professional Development (CPD) on action research among Malaysian educators. The paper seeks to answer two main questions: i) How do we promote and conduct online CPD on action research during the movement control order (MCO)?, and ii) How do educators exhibit their professional development as a result of participating in the online CPD? The study utilised action research as a model of CPD to impart understandings about action research processes to the educators. In the initial stages, we used social media platforms and mobile applications to promote and create awareness of the online CPD. As a result, educators (n=215) from different levels of education registered and participated in the online CPD on action research. We then conducted a series of online CPD programmes on action research using video conferencing tools. Our effort to provide online CPD on action research has: i) helped educators to develop new knowledge directly related to their teaching practices, ii) promoted reflective teaching and thinking, and iii) expanded educators’ pedagogical repertoire. The study also indicated that the participating educators exhibited their professional development and deepened their knowledge related to the four areas: pedagogical knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge, content knowledge, and knowledge of learners and learning. It is therefore suggested that action research as a model of CPD should be nurtured among educators in Malaysia.