Action Research
Action research is a model of professional development where educators study student learning related to their own teaching, a process that allows them to learn about their own instructional practices and to continue to monitor improved student learning. Richard A. Schmuck (1997) compares action research to looking into a mirror at oneself taking action. Conducting action research provides educators with an avenue to reflect on one's own teaching practices and engage in self-directed learning, with the ultimate goal of improving student learning. In order to reach optimal learning, teachers must continuously build upon their knowledge of student learning and intentionally study the instructional practices they are implementing in the classroom. (Rawlinson & Little, 2004)