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Karin Rönnerman from the University of Gothenburg writes about how teachers and researchers can support each other in carrying out meaningful action research.

In this article, Dr Mary Roche shares her personal journey on how she discovered action research and how it has enriched her career as a teacher and academic.

The Network for Educational Action Research in Ireland (NEARI) is a network for action researchers from all over the world. It seeks to create a supportive environment for practitioner researchers to engage in critical reflection and dialogue regardless of their level of experience.

The School Education Gateway’s Teacher Academy and eTwinning are offering a series of professional development opportunities throughout 2022 in relation to action research. Action research is a methodology that teachers can use to investigate an area of interest related to their profession by simply answering the question ‘How can I improve what I am doing?’

Action Research in School Education (AReTwinning) is a new group where eTwinners can connect with colleagues with similar interests, share ideas to develop collaborative action research projects, and take part in regular activities.

Máirín Glenn is one of the co-conveners of the Network for Educational Action Research in Ireland, NEARI, and has been involved in action research for many years. In this interview, she talks about the importance of action research for teachers, and goes over its three main stages.

The recent School Education Gateway survey on action research found that most respondents are familiar with action research and believe it sharpens critical awareness and provides actionable results, but that further support is needed through asynchronous training, guidelines and hearing about other teachers’ experiences.

Action research invites teachers to learn more about their classroom practice, enrich their pedagogical repertoire and reflect on the way they teach. Through action research, teachers’ attitudes, professional identities and expertise can keep evolving, as they consider their needs in their own context.