What is Action Research?

Action research is a process in which participants examine their own educational practice systematically and carefully, using the techniques of research. It is based on the following assumptions:

• Teachers and principals work best on problems they have identified for themselves
• Teachers and principals become more effective when encouraged to examine and assess their own work and then consider ways of working differently
• Teachers and principals help each other by working collaboratively
• Working with colleagues helps teachers and principals in their professional development
  (Watts, 1985)

source: http://www.alliance.brown.edu/pubs/themes_ed/act_research.pdf