ABSTRACT

The process of carrying out a practitioner enquiry: in this chapter we look at a model for carrying out an enquiry. We consider the essential elements of any enquiry, and consider why this is not a linear process, but is much more organic in how it actually develops. We also consider professional development and how practitioner enquiry not only gives us a different model, it also develops new attitudes and dispositions in those involved. Ten key aspects of the enquiry process are identified and discussed. These are: identifying the issue and forming an enquiry question; identifying a sample group of learners; collecting data; carrying out professional reading and research; identifying interventions or strategies to be trialled; re-collecting data; analysing results; identifying the next steps; sharing the findings and insights; and then the continuation of the process. We consider each of these in some depth and illustrate these with examples from my own experiences with practitioner enquiry.