Introduction to Critical Reflection and Action for Teacher Researchers

Providing direction for educators who seek to improve their teaching and maximise learning, Critical Reflection and Action for Teacher Researchers addresses the growing trend in educational contexts for teachers to engage in critical reflection and develop new forms of understanding of practice. By providing a structured practical framework this book guides the reader through the underpinning theory of action research and critical reflection, enables them to plan and undertake their own research in school, and generate educational theory from their learning. It will be a valuable guide for teachers, students and researchers interested in reflecting on and enhancing their teaching practice.

Introduction to Critical Reflection and Action for Teacher Researchers provides crucial direction for educators looking to improve their teaching and maximise learning. While many students can grasp the basic elements of researching their practice and can write about practitioner research, some need guidance and assistance to reflect meaningfully on their teaching practice so as to articulate their educational values. This book provides this guidance.

By exploring how to engage in an authentic, practical and personalised framework, the book encourages critical reflection and action on educational practice. Moving through the process of reflecting on practice, engaging in critical thinking and planning and taking action, it helps the reader to subsequently generate educational theory from their own personal learning. Examples from the authors’ experiences illustrate the issues raised in each section, with ‘Pause and Reflect’ activities, guidelines for conducting a research project and annotated further reading available for every chapter.

Introduction to Critical Reflection and Action for Teacher Researchers is based on the idea that reflection is in itself a deliberate action and something we must live - it is key to understanding our practice and is a core component of action research. This book is a valuable guide for teachers, trainee teachers and researchers interested in reflecting on and enhancing their teaching practice.