Teacher research is often described as an effective form of professional development. The chart is also designed to highlight the fact that, as the reader moves from left to right, the items in the new column incorporate the previous forms of professional development as a subset of their characteristics. I n most cases , w hen qualitative inquiry is taking place, some form of reflective practice is being used. Yet reflective practice can also occur independently of qualitative inquiry.
Teacher uses journal to write reflectively.
Use thinking to organize and prioritize work and life needs. Teacher uses journal to write reflectively and collects some data systematically. Has a central question that is being explored. Reaches some tentative conclusions during each phase of the project. Reflective writing may be sculpted into a short essay with some back-up evidence.