ABSTRACT
This chapter emerges from our experiences as researchers and teachers in open and distance education, and from our various contributions to forms of staff development within our organisations. Staff development is a crucial aspect in the creation and implementation of new approaches to teaching and learning, especially in the context of rapid cultural, economic, social and technological change. Effective staff development deals reflexively and creatively with the needs of staff in their work context. Research has a fundamental role in critically reflective educational practice and the chapter examines how this can be fostered in open and distance education.
