Many instructors teach courses that prepare students to do research individually or in teams. These instructors also supervise their students' research projects. Continuous and systematic use of action research principles can help instructors prepare for problems that may develop when students encounter unfamiliar issues at research sites due to their lack of knowledge or to their own assumptions about the sites. Students may also encounter unanticipated difficulties in team collaborations. Action research principles include planning how and what to teach, implementing activities, observing them, reflecting on their efficacy, and then making changes in instructional practices. (Contains 5 tables.)