Welcome To Our Network

The Malaysian Action Research Network

We aim to promote and advance action research as a legitimate philosophy and methodology in Malaysia, providing encouragement and support for action researchers at all levels to conduct rigorous and evidence-based work.
Artwork | The Symbol of Nationhood
The philosophy of education in Malaysia is not just to produce individuals who are intellectually, spiritually, emotionally, and physically balanced, but also to produce citizens who are able to contribute to the harmony and betterment of the nation. Education plays an important role in fostering a spirit of love for the homeland as well as nurturing a strong identity in each individual to ensure the stability of the country’s present and future. This image shows the spirit of love for the homeland, expressed by the Sea Dayak’s students through singing a song of freedom while proudly waving the national flag of Malaysia called ‘Jalur Gemilang’. This celebration was the highlight of the 53rd Malaysia Day observed every year on 16 September and has become an annual event that has been implemented in every school. The image was captured by Mohd Hanafee Mohd Zaki in Sekolah Kebangsaan Nanga Sengaih, Julau Sarawak. If you want to feature your artwork, please email info[a]marnet.my with a description.
An academic and practitioner scholarly journal

Malaysian Journal of Action Research

The Malaysian Journal of Action Research is an open-access and fully peer-reviewed international journal for practitioners, professionals, academics and researchers. The journal has a strong multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary focus. It seeks to facilitate discussion and debate that crosses the boundaries of professional contexts and domains, including education, nursing, social work, allied health professions, business and management, computer science and the criminal justice sector.

Editorial Team
Editor-in-Chief
Assoc Prof Dr Sarimah Shaik Abdullah
Assoc Prof Dr Sarimah Shaik Abdullah

Universiti Utara Malaysia

Managing Editor
Dr Yoon Sook Jhee
Dr Yoon Sook Jhee

SEGi University

Manuscript/Web Editor
Dr Mohd Syafiq Aiman Mat Noor
Dr Mohd Syafiq Aiman Mat Noor

University of Leeds, United Kingdom

Editors
Assoc Prof Dr Fariza Puteh Behak

Islamic Science University of Malaysia

Assoc Prof Dr Vishalache Balakrishnan

Universiti Malaya

Assoc Prof Dr Nadarajan Thambu

Sultan Idris Education University

Dr Nazatul Akmar Mokhtar

International Islamic University Malaysia

Dr Pang Jee Ching

SEGi University

Dr Zailah Zainudin

Malaysian Action Research Network

Dr Satirah Ahmad

Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Sultan Abdul Halim

Dr Amirul Shah Md Shahbudin

Universiti Sains Malaysia

Dr Hairul Faiezi Lokman

Institut Pendidikan Guru Kampus Ilmu Khas

Dr Romarzila Omar

Sultan Idris Education University

Dr Diani Mardiana Mat Zin

Islamic Science University of Malaysia

Assoc Prof Dr Hadiyanto Said

State University of Jambi, Indonesia

Dr Mukrim Tamrin

University of Tadulako, Indonesia

Editorial Assistants
Selvamalar Selvarajan

Politeknik Tuanku Sultanah Bahiyah, Kedah

Julianah Ahmad

Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Hui Kar Loong

SJKC Kampung Baru Pajam, Negeri Sembilan

Aims and Scope

The Malaysian Journal of Action Research promotes professional growth in these fields of study by publishing manuscripts on evidence-based practice, reviews of current policy initiatives, examples of applied theories, and reports of original research in a language that is accessible and practical. It seeks to explore pedagogical practices using a variety of action research paradigms, philosophies and methodologies, including, but not limited to:

Author Guidelines

The editors welcome the submission of a wide variety of high-quality original action research manuscripts in a range of styles and genres, drawing on a variety of action research paradigms, including:

The Malaysian Journal of Action Research is also keen to encourage authors to take the first step in initiating public conversations, and provides proactive support for new writers. The journal will be flexible about article ‘size’ and will welcome contributions of different lengths to reflect the variety of contribution types outlined above. For guidance, authors might submit:

The manuscript must also deal with one of the key topics of the journal (a variety of action research paradigms, philosophies and methodologies); otherwise, it will not be accepted.

General Information

Manuscripts can be accepted either in English or Bahasa Melayu. If authors are not native speakers, the use of proofreading and copyediting services is strongly recommended. This helps to avoid desk rejection and negative comments from reviewers. Additionally, a sufficiently high level of language prevents delays in the review process.

A typical manuscript of an action research report should consist of the following sections: Title, Abstract, Keywords, Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, Acknowledgements, References, and Appendix (if necessary). Reflective pieces and stories usually do not need to have the IMRAD structure. However, they should have specified objectives and must include citations and/or a literature review.

The abstract should be between 80 and 120 words for all types of manuscripts. Each manuscript should contain at least 5 keywords. All keywords must follow alphabetical order, separated by commas. Manuscripts in Bahasa Melayu should include an additional title, abstract and keywords in English.

The introduction should provide a brief review of the current state of the research area, citing relevant sources from journals and conference proceedings listed in databases such as Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, or ERIC. The introduction should lead to a clear problem statement or objective of the manuscript, and conclude by outlining the subsequent sections.

Given that the primary audience of the journal is based in Malaysia, it is imperative to ensure that your manuscript includes pertinent citations that resonate within the Malaysian context. Moreover, the inclusion of studies conducted in Malaysia further solidifies the relevance of your research to our readership. These considerations are instrumental in building a meaningful dialogue within the Malaysian academic community and contributing to the local body of knowledge.

The methods section should describe the research methods employed and provide details on the plan of action. If the manuscript builds upon the author’s previous work, it is important to briefly reference this work and describe how the present paper builds on it.

The results section should present the main findings and goals achieved, aligning with the described plan of actions. It is essential to maintain a clear structure and address the main objective stated in the introduction, ensuring all relevant findings are presented.

The discussion section holds significant importance in the manuscript. Authors should compare their findings with other relevant works in the field, discussing the applicability, strengths, and limitations of the results. If a problem was identified, potential solutions should be proposed. It is crucial to include a proper and comprehensive discussion, as manuscripts without a thorough discussion may lead reviewers to have reservations.

The conclusion should summarise the manuscript and highlight its key points. Authors may also provide valuable insights into potential research directions by suggesting topics for future work. It is important to maintain conciseness in this section, ensuring that it remains focused and does not exceed half a page.

In the case of empirical studies, authors are mandated to include a statement detailing the ethical approval obtained for the study. This should specify the reviewing body or organisation that granted the ethical clearance for the research, and a reference number for the approval (if available).

A reference list should be included at the end of the manuscript, with the references compiled in ascending alphabetical order.

Copyright

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written consent of the Malaysian Action Research Network, to whom all requests to reproduce copyright material should be directed.

Disclaimer

The Publisher, the Malaysian Action Research Network (MARNet) and Editors cannot be held responsible for errors or any consequences arising from the use of information contained in the Malaysian Journal of Action Research; the views and opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the Publisher, MARNet and Editors, neither does the publication of advertisements constitute any endorsement by the Publisher, MARNet and Editors of the products advertised.

Publisher

Small local changes, when interconnected within a network, have the potential to amplify and yield significant value. In the context of MARNet, envision it as a dynamic community of friends who collaboratively catalyse transformative action research in education. Best wishes, and may this remarkable endeavour continue to flourish and create positive impact.

Emeritus Professor Stephen Kemmis Charles Sturt University, New South Wales, Australia

There is a wealth of action research publications waiting to explore your unique individual projects. Consider the opportunity to gather and discuss them from a MARNet perspective, shedding light on the current landscape of action research in Malaysia. As researchers, it is our responsibility to disseminate knowledge and I wholeheartedly invite you to share your valuable work.

Professor Mary Brydon-Miller University of Louisville, United States

MARNet’s accomplishments are truly remarkable and inspiring. The individuals associated with MARNet possess the power to foster the expansion of this movement through educational living theory. By actively sharing the knowledge you create and generate while striving to enhance your practices, you contribute to the growth and evolution of education.

Professor Jack Whitehead University of Cumbria, United Kingdom

The power of MARNet lies in its ability to publish and disseminate valuable insights to a wider audience, thereby extending the impact beyond the immediate community. By sharing your work with the broader public, you have the potential to influence and inspire not only those directly involved but also individuals who may benefit from your knowledge.

Emeritus Professor David Coghlan Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

I hold great hope for the flourishing of MARNet and its profound impact on schools and teachers. As MARNet progresses, it is crucial to consider strategies for conducting action research with rigor and precision. By upholding high standards of methodological rigor, we can elevate the credibility and validity of our findings, further enhancing their potential to bring about meaningful change.

Emeritus Professor Dato Dr Othman Lebar Sultan Idris Education University, Perak, Malaysia
What They Says

Feedback from International Action Research Scholars about MARNet

Through active collaboration with international scholars, we are dedicated to advancing the prominence of action research in Malaysia. Our mission is to establish action research as a recognized and valued form of research within the Malaysian academic landscape.