This book gives practical guidance on doing an action research project. Written for practitioners across professions who are studying on award-bearing courses, this book is packed full of useful advice and takes the reader through the various stages of a project, including: Starting your action research project Monitoring and documenting the action Techniques for dealing with the data Making claims to knowledge and validating them Making your research public: creating your living theory. The book's practical approach will appeal to practitioners and will encourage them to try out new strategies for improving their work. It will also be essential reading for those resource managers in schools, colleges and higher education institutions who are responsible for providing courses and support. This second edition of a best-selling book, has been thoroughly updated and improved by a number of features, being more accessible, dealing with current debates in literature and demonstrating the power of action research for individual practices.