Action research serves several unique roles. Teachers are directly involved in forming the problem and seeking the answers. This give teachers the opportunity to produce their own practical knowledge and take an active role in educational change in their own classroom and schools. Action research is a tool for school improvement when used by the school as a whole to solve the problems of their learning community. Action research contributes to the culture of professionalism in schools.
Reflection is a major component of the action research process.
Research tells us that teachers working alone is the norm. This environment is not conducive to professional growth. Being a reflective practitioner is developed in action research through interactions with colleagues who are themselves reflective. Society now views learning as a process that will be a continuous throughout life. Teachers will need to learn how to learn and develop the discipline of learning.