Between 2001 and 2007 I conducted a self-study action research enquiry into my practice as a primary school teacher. The research had a collaborative aspect to it, in so far as my pupils and colleagues were invited to participate in the research, although I was the focus of the enquiry. I was unhappy about my teaching: I felt I dominated the…

Three issues emanating from the Bulterman-Bos article (2008) form the core of this commentary. First, the issue of relevancy is addressed from the standpoint of action research and other forms of practitioner inquiry. From this perspective, the divisions between the cultures of university and school are addressed both ways: Each can potentially be…

Whether action research and management perspectives can be reconciled to support teachers' desires to participate in management of education institutions is explored. Five issues are presented that must be addressed if action research is to be used as a strategy for teaching teachers educational management. (MT)

In conceptualizing the improvement of schooling, a distinction may be drawn between content and context. The applications of research to improve classroom practices is promising where teachers are viewed as problem framers and action researchers. These contextual shifts are necessary if research is to make a difference. (MT)

Advocates practitioner-research, by teachers and learners, in their own language classrooms. Points out that teachers who are successful at integrating an investigative element into their teaching may demand collegial support to increase the chance for satisfactory research and that other teachers may develop a new professional concept of what…

This article explores the historical and philosophical evolution of action research as it has emerged as a scientific enterprise, examines links between action research and teacher involvement in curriculum research and development, and outlines related constraints on practitioners. (IAH)

A new paradigm for evaluating school restructuring that is based on the teacher-as-researcher concept, or action research, is presented in this paper. The first section compares the traditional and new evaluation paradigms. The old model is competitive, one-dimensional, reactive, and based on external change agents; it appeals to fear and views…

This article describes a model for action research which encourages collaboration between researchers and teachers, especially in curricular research and development. This model encourages teachers to act as researchers. A rationale is discussed and steps to follow are given. (JL)

This paper explores the way teachers make use of and work on theory to disrupt and ultimately improve everyday educational practice. The paper argues that teachers working on and with theory can and do generate new forms of educative practices in the field of literacy education, which are based on explicit standpoints towards social justice in…

Explores and advocates the role of teachers as researchers, specifically within the field of drama. Outlines approaches useful for drama educators. Lists issues involving drama education that might form useful content for teacher research inquiries. (HB)

Proposes that art teachers become more informed about current research on art teaching and assume responsibility for initiating research on classroom teaching. States that teachers may (1) act as research subjects, (2) put research into practice, and (3) act as researchers. Discusses general considerations or conditions under which research can…

Action research, in which the college teacher leads students in design and implementation of a study responsive to specific community needs, is proposed as one way of linking faculty imperatives of teaching, research, and public service. The approach allows faculty to gather and analyze data for publication while meeting instructional…

The progress of action research (as an innovation) can be viewed productively from a socio-politico-cultural perspective. Utilizing this perspective, the institutional impact of action research is discussed. (IAH)

Discusses the meaning of being a teacher-researcher, emphasizing the need to involve teachers in research to link theory and practice and noting how participant observation helps them inquire into practice. Practitioner-researcher examples from teachers involved in a graduate research course are presented. The cases support and explicate…

Change theory endorses a set of normative role prescriptions determining how the participants in curriculum change should be viewed. (JN)