Improving educational practice: action research as an appropriate methodology

Abstract

This article aims to explore action research as a suitable methodology for emancipated educators. An attempt will be made to formulate an acceptable definition of action research, and a classification of types of action research as found in the literature will be presented. Action research is presented as a methodology or research framework that assists educators in critically evaluating their practice and in systematically arriving at new rationales for and changes in such practice. Finally some help will be provided for those who want to engage in action research for the first time.