Research and Practice - Assignment Example

Research and Practice The basic idea behind research is to establish and confirm facts, support existing theorems, reaffirm previous results and develop new theories (Shuttleworth, 2008). Action research is one way of changing our learning institutions as it promotes staff development, which aids in reconnecting the gap between theory and practice. One-step towards reforming teachers is by empowering them to examine their own practice, which they can achieve through classroom inquiry (Guskey, 2000).

Anybody in the teaching profession would agree that teaching is a complex practice; it is common for most teachers to have little opportunities to enable them explore problems and come up with definite solutions. From the above explanations, it is clear that research and practice revolves around adult learning. The basics adult learning and research rely on four major areas, which include experiential learning, self-directed learning, learning to learn, and critical reflection (Brookfield, 1995).

On a personal point of view, reflective teaching and action research will greatly improve personal skills in teaching. This will in turn improve development students through effective teaching in class leading improved overall performance for both the teacher and the students. Teacher research will unite the practical and theory that is mostly associated with the practice of teaching. Action research involves five major steps, which as a practicing teacher prove to be very helpful. These steps involve planning, then taking into action, carrying out observation, reflecting on the outcome and finally re-planning on a more effective strategy (Kemmis & McTaggart, 1990).

It is common for teachers involved in carrying out action research frequently raise their issues and observations reflecting their teaching and their students’ progress. Research therefore enables teachers and educators have an overview of problems and issues affecting their collective areas of interest. Action research therefore, helps teachers be in tune with their students prompting for improved classroom engagement between teacher and students. ReferencesBrookfield, S. (1995). In A. Tuinjman (ed.) (1995). International Encyclopedia of Education.

Oxford: Pergamon Press.Guskey, T. (2000). Evaluating professional development. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin.Kemmis , S., & McTaggart, R. (1990). The action research planner. Victoria, Australia: Deakin Universiy Press.Shuttleworth, N. (2008, October 3). "Definition of Research". Experiment Resources. Retrieved from Experiment-Research.com: http://explorable.com/definition-of-research