Action research is presented as a reflective process used by practicing classroom teachers to identify and solve problems of importance in the classroom. Action research is approached as a professional development activity that allows teachers to discover the complexities in teaching and offer suggestions for improving learning. This course will promote an emerging view of action research as an inquiry process that is school or classroom-based and closely tied to professional development. It will be suggested that teacher-researchers are those who are most capable of generating new knowledge about teaching practice through this inquiry process. As part of the requirements for the course, students will be asked to develop a action research plan that is of great interest and related to a practical concern in the classroom.
Action research offers teacher-leaders a research perspective from which to view the classroom.
This reflective activity will lead to the continuous professional development of individual teachers, higher quality teaching and curriculum development and an enhanced teaching profession as we move into the 21st Century. Students will complete a series of brief exercises designed to reinforce major concepts in the class. No specific field experience is required in this course, although students will engage in the action research process to address issues or problems that are grounded in professional practice. These field projects will require students to conduct action research in their own school and school system. A handbook for teacher leaders .