Students learn the action research cycle, the ways to choose a practice for research, learn to formulate a research question and to consider ethical responsibilities. Students learn about critical reflection, considering the practicalities of research, setting criteria for validity and rigour, collecting and analysing data, and drawing conclusions and writing up.

Action research is a cyclical process in which thinking and doing and thinking creates immediate change. This form of research hinges upon practice and the desire to change practice through critical reflection and planning for change. Action research is a suitable method for those researchers who decide to research their own developing teaching practice and / or those who want to support and research with children doing their own research.