Classroom Action Research uses data-based research to improve student learning outcomes. Classroom Action Research is research designed to help a teacher find out what is happening in his or her classroom, and to use that information to make wise decisions for the future.
Methods can be qualitative or quantitative, descriptive or experimental.
Through the process and products of action research teachers will do both. The future directions of staff development programs, teacher preparation curricula, as well as school improvement initiatives, will be impacted by the things teachers learn through the critical inquiry and rigorous examination of their own practice and their school programs that action research requires.