Using a series of case studies in higher education, Ortrun Zuber-Skerritt demonstrates how teams of academics - in collaboration with academic development staff - can improve the practice of learning, teaching and professional development; advance knowledge in higher education by generating grounded theory, research and publication; and document excellent teaching. The methodology used is action research, defined as collaborative, critical enquiry by the academics themselves (rather than expert educational researchers) into their own practice, into problems of student learning, and into curriculum problems. The result is professional development through academic course development, group reflection, action, evaluation and improved practice.