May 2022
Exploratory Action Research is a form of inquiry that teachers can engage in to better understand their situations and take actions for improvement.
In this report, we consider how the approach was developed, why it places value on exploration and how an Exploratory Action Research programme can be structured. We also look at the impact it has had on teachers in Latin America and elsewhere, and how it can be introduced to teachers in other contexts.
Key points:
- Exploratory Action Research involves teachers exploring their classroom situations and improving their practice based on their findings.
- The approach was designed to be practical and useful for public school teachers in challenging situations.
- It helps teachers to gain a greater understanding of issues in their classrooms and to better recognise their students’ needs and interests.
- The process helps to strengthen teachers’ relationships with their students and to improve student engagement in lessons.
- It supports teachers to develop a more inquiry-oriented mindset, an increased sense of agency to effect change and a sense of empowerment.
- Introducing it to teachers involves challenging pre-conceived notions of what research ‘is’ and explaining research in a down-to-earth way.
- It is based on issues grounded in practical experience, not literature.
- It uses a data collection process that ensures the least interference with teaching.
- It relieves the pressure of compiling a final report to share findings – oral poster presentations serve as a basis for later write-ups.
Download a pdf of the report below.