TEACHER ACTION RESEARCH: ITS DIFFICULTIES AND IMPLICATIONS

Purpose: This study generally aimed to (1) identify the most difficult part of the action research process as evaluated by the teachers; (2) find out implications of conducting action research in teaching-learning process; and (3) identify the impact on teachers’ current and future instructional practices in conducting action research. Methodology: Mixed method design which involves quantitative and qualitative methods of researchwas used. High school teachers in Colegio de San Juan de Letran Calamba who conducted action researches from 2012 - 2015 were the respondents of the study. The total number of teachers involved in action research projects is 27 - 41% from the Mathematics-Science and Technology cluster, 37% out of 27 from Socio-Linguistic Cluster, and 22% come from the MAPEH-TLE Cluster. These teachers then answered the survey instrument adapted and modified from the study of O’Connor, Greene, and Anderson (2000). Main Results: Based on the results, writing the Framework of the Study is the most difficult part. All teachers agreed that action research is valuable to the teaching-learning process for both teachers and students. On the other hand, almost all of the teachers said that action research project positively impacted both students’ learning and teaching. This proves that action research as viewed and assessed by teachers has a major role in improving the teaching-learning process. Likewise, teachers proved that involving oneself in action research leads to professional growth of their career through ranking and promotions. School setting and curriculum have been improved through the positive results gained in action researches. Knowledge of statistics or data analyses was one of the hindrances encountered by teachers in conducting action research. It appears that time spent in conducting action research is one big factor that makes this activity difficult for teachers. Implications: Parts of action research, which were considered very difficult for teachers should be the focus of training and development for teachers. Likewise, the number of teaching load and teacher tasks require too much time that they cannot devote for research. Thus, In order for teachers to conduct researches, there should be lesser teaching load to provide extra time for institutional researches and support more teacher researchers. Limitations: The results of the evaluation of the teachers to the questionnaire were the bases in drawing out conclusions. Moreover, the effect of conducting action research through experimentation was not included in the study

Mortality and pulmonary complications in patients undergoing surgery with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection: an international cohort study

Background: The impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on postoperative recovery needs to be understood to inform clinical decision making during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This study reports 30-day mortality and pulmonary complication rates in patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: This international, multicentre, cohort study at 235 hospitals in 24 countries included all patients undergoing surgery who had SARS-CoV-2 infection confirmed within 7 days before or 30 days after surgery. The primary outcome measure was 30-day postoperative mortality and was assessed in all enrolled patients. The main secondary outcome measure was pulmonary complications, defined as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or unexpected postoperative ventilation. Findings: This analysis includes 1128 patients who had surgery between Jan 1 and March 31, 2020, of whom 835 (74·0%) had emergency surgery and 280 (24·8%) had elective surgery. SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed preoperatively in 294 (26·1%) patients. 30-day mortality was 23·8% (268 of 1128). Pulmonary complications occurred in 577 (51·2%) of 1128 patients; 30-day mortality in these patients was 38·0% (219 of 577), accounting for 81·7% (219 of 268) of all deaths. In adjusted analyses, 30-day mortality was associated with male sex (odds ratio 1·75 [95% CI 1·28–2·40], p\textless0·0001), age 70 years or older versus younger than 70 years (2·30 [1·65–3·22], p\textless0·0001), American Society of Anesthesiologists grades 3–5 versus grades 1–2 (2·35 [1·57–3·53], p\textless0·0001), malignant versus benign or obstetric diagnosis (1·55 [1·01–2·39], p=0·046), emergency versus elective surgery (1·67 [1·06–2·63], p=0·026), and major versus minor surgery (1·52 [1·01–2·31], p=0·047). Interpretation: Postoperative pulmonary complications occur in half of patients with perioperative SARS-CoV-2 infection and are associated with high mortality. Thresholds for surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic should be higher than during normal practice, particularly in men aged 70 years and older. Consideration should be given for postponing non-urgent procedures and promoting non-operative treatment to delay or avoid the need for surgery. Funding: National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, Bowel and Cancer Research, Bowel Disease Research Foundation, Association of Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeons, British Association of Surgical Oncology, British Gynaecological Cancer Society, European Society of Coloproctology, NIHR Academy, Sarcoma UK, Vascular Society for Great Britain and Ireland, and Yorkshire Cancer Research