Thinking like researchers: action research and its impact on novice teachers’ thinking

Abstract

This project investigated the effects of novice teachers’ responses to an action research project conducting during the student-teaching semester. This study drew on a framework that considered the participants’ process of research, practice of teaching, and identity as a researcher and utilized a qualitative, multiple case-study approach with an initial survey phase followed by interviews and document analysis of completed action research projects. Findings showed that the participants’ pre-existing identities as researchers informed their process of conducting the action research, which then had a positive impact on teaching practice if the overall research experience was positive.

Keywords:

• Action research
• preservice teachers
• novice teachers
• inquiry as stance