Discussing the Data

Abstract

This chapter addresses a vital question to be considered after the main job of collecting and analysing the data is done: how to interpret it? Guidelines are given for this process and strategies for reporting the interpretations are suggested. In addition, teachers are guided to consider the limitations their study might have (there are always some, e.g. limited context, few participants), and to suggest how their study might be followed up, extended, or altered for ongoing research (either for their own reference or to provide stimulation for someone else). In addition, since action research is done to address a problem, puzzle, question, or issue of some kind, it is useful to examine the results of the study and to draw implications for the teaching–learning situation. The development of criticality which challenges existing assumptions and may lead to improvement or modifications in practices is also discussed.