As demonstrated by the above examples, focused classroom investigations can provide insights not available through casual observation. These insights can then direct curricular or instructional practices toward achieving the ultimate goal of improved student learning - a process called action research. Rather than focusing on generalizability as a means of adding to the educational literature base, action research provides a paradigm for both documenting our efforts to improve our classes and communicating success an failures to our peers, thus elevating teaching to a scholarly activity.