Research methodology
The action inquiry process
The purpose of an action inquiry is to learn about our professional practices with a view to improving them. In an academic context action inquiry is a process which facilitates the teacher as researcher to reflect on their teaching, and through the stages of this reflection, discover ways to improve their teaching and the learning of their students. The process of action inquiry consists of a number of phases: initial reflection, planning, action and further reflection. Investigating an aspect of teaching practice often involves the teacher/researcher in a number of cycles of these phases. At a very practical level the process has been described as:
• Review current practice
• Identify an aspect you want to improve
• Imagine a way forward
• Try it out, and
• Take stock of what happens
• Modify your plan in the light of what happened and continue with the action
• Evaluate and modify again
• And so on until you are satisfied with that aspect of your work
(McNiff & Whitehead, 2002, p.72).
