Action research is a cyclical process where teachers identify a specific classroom challenge, plan a focused intervention, gather and analyze evidence, and reflect on the results. Rooted in practice, it empowers educators to test small-scale changes—such as new instructional strategies, assessment approaches, or classroom routines—and to use data to guide decisions rather than relying solely on intuition.

Because it occurs in real teaching contexts, action research bridges theory and practice. Teachers often work collaboratively—sharing questions, observing one another, and comparing findings—to refine approaches and scale successful techniques. This hands-on inquiry supports professional learning, builds a culture of continuous improvement, and generates locally-relevant evidence that informs school-wide practice.

When sustained, action research fosters teacher agency and responsiveness: practitioners become researchers of their own classrooms, better able to meet diverse learner needs, adapt to changing circumstances, and document impact. The result is improved instruction, stronger student engagement, and a school culture that values inquiry and evidence-based change.