Language Teachers as Researchers in Action: knowledge and research as a transformatory process

Abstract

This reflective paper looks at the need for us, English teachers, to consider the theories, processes, per-ceptions, values, interests and purposes we hold in order to understand why and how we can do research and produce knowledge from our teaching practices. Action Research (AR) is proposed not just as a tool to systematically observe and investigate issues or problems we confront in our classes but more impor-tantly as a way to understand knowledge and research as a transformational event that deals with different interests in human experience and that ultimately can enable us to explore and share our common humanity. It highlights and exemplifies Whitehead’s (1993) Action Planning as organizing principles and methodology for our action reflection process