Action Research as a Tool for Reflection in Teacher Education

Abstract

Education is context-specific and requires knowledge of the dynamics, participants, and aspects of this particular context. Indeed, it cannot be considered out of its own organization, culture and the environment around. Action research as a tool is so relevant for novice and pre-service teachers since it can help them find their own way and refine their teaching skills. In fact, it is a mindset for all teachers as they can be more reflective practitioners, thoughtful, and willing to examine themselves in the context of their own classroom and school settings (Phillips & Carr, 2010). This chapter attempts to identify the linkage between action research and reflection and how this can foster teachers' development in Turkey. This is through describing a case study in a professional development program which aims to find out about the novice teachers' reflections on the conducted action research as a professional development activity.