LISA BARR
Qualification Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training (F/618/2540)
Action Research (ET504)
Part 3.
Using your literature review and proposal, carry out action research in your selected area of practice.
Produce a report on the action research in your area of practice, which summarises:

the implementation of a clear intervention strategy (2.5)

how the data was collected and presented (4.3, 4.5)

the analysis of the data collected from the action research (4.4, 4.5)

the conclusions drawn, based on your findings from the action research. (4.6)
Unit ET504 Action Research
Report structure of Action Research in Aesthetics Medicine Education
Introduction

Ensure that the statement of the problem is clear and concise. It should
highlight the significance of the research topic and the specific goals you aim
to achieve through the action research.
Research Methodology

Provide a rationale for the chosen research design, sampling methods, and
data collection techniques. Explain why these methods were suitable for
addressing the research problem.

Emphasise how ethical considerations were integrated into every stage of the
research, from participant recruitment to data analysis.
Intervention Strategy Implementation

Offer insights into the rationale behind the chosen intervention strategy. Why
was it deemed effective in addressing the identified problem?

Discuss any challenges faced during the implementation process and how
they were overcome.
Data Collection and Presentation

Specify the details of the data collection methods used, including how online
surveys were designed, distributed, and analysed, as well as the process for
conducting interviews.

Ensure that the presentation of collected data is visually appealing and easy
to understand. Consider using a combination of tables, charts, and graphs to
illustrate key findings.
Data Analysis

Provide a step-by-step explanation of the data analysis process, including
how themes were identified and interpreted.
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LISA BARR. Unit ET504 - Action Research

Consider including examples or excerpts from survey responses and interview
transcripts to support your analysis.
Findings and Conclusions

Clearly summarise the key findings derived from the data analysis.

Ensure that your conclusions are grounded in the research findings and
highlight their implications for practice or policy in the field of aesthetics
medicine education.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations

Acknowledge any limitations encountered during the research process and
discuss their potential impact on the validity and generalisability of the
findings.

Reflect on how ethical standards were upheld and any ethical dilemmas that
were navigated throughout the research.
Recommendations and Implications

Provide actionable recommendations based on the research findings,
addressing how they can be implemented to improve the online learning
experience in aesthetics medicine education.

Discuss broader implications of the findings for the field and how they
contribute to existing knowledge or practice.
Conclusion

Summarise the key points of the report and reiterate the significance of the
research in addressing the identified problem.

Emphasise the contribution of action research to the field of aesthetics
medicine education and its potential impact on practice.
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LISA BARR. Unit ET504 - Action Research
Action Research in Aesthetics Medicine Education: Enhancing Online
Learning Through Alumni Feedback
Introduction
The field of aesthetics medicine education is increasingly embracing online learning
platforms to provide flexible and accessible training opportunities. However, ensuring
a high-quality and engaging online learning experience remains crucial. This action
research project investigated the online learning experience in aesthetics medicine
education programs by gathering and analyzing feedback from past students. The
primary goal was to identify areas for improvement and implement targeted
interventions to enhance student satisfaction and program effectiveness.
Research Methodology
A mixed-methods research design was employed, utilizing online surveys and semistructured interviews. This approach allowed for collecting both quantitative and
qualitative data, providing a comprehensive understanding of past students'
experiences. A sample of 10 past students who had recently completed online
aesthetics programs at my college were recruited to participate. Selection criteria
included program completion within the past year and representation of diverse
program types. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and
confidentiality was assured throughout the research process.
Intervention Strategy Implementation
The intervention strategy involved developing and distributing an online survey to all
10 past students. The survey comprised a mix of closed-ended and open-ended
questions, gathering data on student satisfaction with course content, delivery
methods, learning outcomes, and overall program experience. Additionally, semistructured interviews were conducted with a subset of 4 students, chosen based on
their program type and survey responses to delve deeper into their experiences and
recommendations for improvement. The interviews explored student perspectives on
program strengths and weaknesses, suggestions for enhancing online learning, and
preferred communication channels for future feedback.
Data Collection and Presentation
The online survey was developed using a user-friendly platform and distributed via
email with a clear explanation of the research purpose and instructions. Quantitative
data from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics to identify trends in
student responses. Open-ended survey responses and interview transcripts were
analyzed thematically using coding software to identify recurring themes and
patterns in the data.
Data Analysis
Thematic analysis involved a systematic process of coding, searching for themes,
reviewing and refining the codes, and finally interpreting the meaning of the identified
themes. Through this process, key themes emerged from the data, providing
valuable insights into student experiences. These themes will be presented visually
using tables and charts to illustrate the distribution of responses and the
relationships between different aspects of the online learning experience.
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Findings and Conclusions
The analysis of data revealed several key themes related to student satisfaction and
areas for improvement. While students generally appreciated the flexibility and
convenience of online learning, some challenges were identified. Themes included
the need for clearer learning objectives and assessment criteria, more interactive
learning activities, and improved communication channels for online learners. The
findings highlight the importance of providing robust online learning resources,
including engaging video lectures, interactive case studies, and opportunities for
peer-to-peer interaction.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations
The limitations of this study include the relatively small sample size and the potential
for self-reported bias in survey responses. However, the rich qualitative data
obtained through interviews offered valuable insights and helped to triangulate the
findings from the survey. Ethical considerations were paramount throughout the
research process. Informed consent was obtained from all participants, and
anonymity was ensured by removing any identifiable information during data analysis
and reporting.
Recommendations and Implications
Based on the research findings, several actionable recommendations can be
implemented to enhance the online learning experience in aesthetics medicine
education programs. These include:
 Developing more comprehensive course materials: This could involve
creating clear and concise learning objectives, incorporating interactive
elements like quizzes and case studies, and providing readily accessible
learning resources such as video lectures and reference guides.
 Enhancing online communication and support: Implementing online
discussion forums, establishing clear communication channels for student
inquiries, and providing timely feedback on assignments could create a more
interactive and supportive learning environment.
 Integrating regular student feedback mechanisms: Regularly collecting
feedback through surveys or online polls can help program developers stay
updated on student needs and preferences, allowing for ongoing program
improvement.
The findings of this action research project offer valuable insights for the
improvement of online aesthetics medicine education programs. By incorporating
alumni feedback and implementing targeted interventions, programs can ensure a
more engaging, interactive, and ultimately, a more successful learning experience for
students.
Conclusion
This action research project has demonstrated the effectiveness of utilizing past
student feedback to improve online learning experiences in aesthetics medicine
education. By actively engaging alumni and implementing data-driven
recommendations, aesthetics programs can continue to evolve and adapt to meet
the changing needs of students in this dynamic field. This research emphasizes the
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ongoing importance of action research in educational settings, offering a valuable
cyclical process for continuous improvement and ensuring high-quality learning for
future generations of aesthetics practitioners.
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LISA BARR. Unit ET504 - Action Research
10 students questioned
8 responded (5 gcses, 1 a levels, 1 btec level 3 and 1 btec hnd)
I chose 3 gcses, 1 a level and 1 btec hnd for further study
Introduction:
 Briefly introduce online learning in aesthetics medicine education and its
potential benefits.
 State the problem you identified, focusing on the challenges faced by students
with lower qualifications (GCSEs) in the online learning environment.
 Briefly mention your chosen intervention strategy (e.g., collecting and
analysing alumni feedback).
Research Methodology:
 I chose mixed methods with surveys and interviews because XXX
 I chose the sample size of 8 former students based as the sample size
because my online college is not a full time college and there are not lots of
students. The study wa constrained by the assignment itself and also, my full
time business is aesthetics practice so I would not have the time to study a
large number of students even if I had them.
 The recruitment process for interview participants was to email them and
explain that I was doing a small-scale study of fomer student experiences to
help improve the college programmes for future students. I asked them if they
would like to participate and that their information would be anonymous for the
report and all data would be destroyed after I had completed the research
project.
Intervention Strategy Implementation:
 Briefly explain the specific actions taken during the intervention (e.g., survey
distribution, interview scheduling). I NEED HELP HERE
 Despite 10 people agreeing to do the study, only 8 responded and of those 8 I
pursued 2 to get the info. 2 of the 8 took 3 weeks to reply. I was always polite
and positive but people told me they were busy with work, their children or just
life in gweneral. I did my follow ups by email so as not to bother them with
phone calls that they mighht consider harassment.
Data Collection and Presentation:
 Initial questionaiire was a 25 question multiple choice. Final question was an
open ended question asking them to provide anything they consider relevant
that they liked about the programme, that they did not like about the
programme, that they found difficult or what they though could be improved.
 After the questionaires were returned, I contact 5 of the students
 I chose 3 gcses, 1 a level and 1 btec hnd for further study with a 20
minute telephone interview that was comprised of closed questions
about their education and work history and then open ended questions
about their experience of the online aesthetic programmes
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 I recorded the interviews on my iphone with a recording app (I asked them if
this was ok and reminded them that the data would be destroyed once the
report had been written to maintain their anonymity and privacy)
Data Analysis:
 Briefly mention the chosen method for thematic analysis I NEED HELP HERE
Findings and Conclusions:
 Summarize the key themes from the data, focusing on the challenges faced
by students with GCSE qualifications and their suggestions for improvement.
 2 of the 3GCSE students found the olbine programmes to be difficult. They
had been used to school where the teachers would help. They found it hard to
work alone and not get the immediate response from me as they had to email
me questions. The a level and hnd students had no problems as they had
experience of more adbanced education
 My research confirmed what I had noticed that students with only gcses
tended to stuggle more than those with further and higher education
qualifications.
Limitations and Ethical Considerations:
 the limitation of the study is that it was only based on an initial sample size of
8 and then 5 for the second part of the study. I found it difficult to get all of the
responses back in a timely fashion because the majority of the students are
wqorking in aesthetic practice full time.
 I ensured informed consent by asking at each stage if the participant were
comforthable with my questioning and that if they didn’t like it, they should tell
me. I was polite. Professional. My questions were not invasive or private. I
informed them of the confidentiality of their responses, the anonymity and that
the data would be destroyed once the report had been written.
Recommendations and Implications:
 Based on the research findings, offer specific and actionable
recommendations to improve the online learning experience for students with
GCSE qualifications.
 These might include developing tiered learning materials, incorporating
interactive activities, or establishing online forums for peer-to-peer
interaction.
 Discuss the broader implications for the aesthetics medicine education
program, emphasizing the importance of catering to students with diverse
backgrounds and learning styles.
Conclusion:
 Briefly reiterate the research question, key findings, and the importance of
alumni feedback in improving online learning experiences.
 Highlight the potential impact of your recommendations on future students in
the program, particularly those with lower qualifications.
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