Pgde Students’ Challenges In Conducting Action Research and The Way Forward

The study explored challenges associated with conducting action research by Post Graduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) students at Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU). The study involved participants at ZOU Midlands regional campus. Data were generated from five lectures who supervised action research and 30 students in PGDE Intake 13. An open-ended questionnaire was used to generate data from students while a focus group discussion was held with the lecturers. The study revealed that challenges were programme and lecturer related. Students had very inadequate knowledge on the theory of action research reports. The PGDE programme was regarded as not giving students sound preparation in action report theory and writing. Some supervisors lacked adequate knowledge on the essence of action research. The study recommended adequate action research theory coverage by students, use of a well-defined action research writing format by both supervisors and students and early allocation of students to supervisors, among other things.