ABSTRACT
Pedagogical action research (PedAR) is a type of research that aims to improve teaching and learning practice in the higher education sector. It involves using a reflective lens through which to look at some pedagogical issue or problem and methodically working out a series of steps to take action to deal with that issue. The fundamental purpose of pedagogical action research is to systematically investigate our own teaching/learning facilitation practice with the dual aim of modifying practice and contributing to theoretical knowledge.
Universities worldwide are facing many complex and interrelated challenges with an increasing emphasis on demonstrating teaching excellence. Student profiles are changing rapidly, with increased mobility and diversity that poses challenges for teaching them well. Pedagogical action research is one way of exercising some autonomy in the academic practice context. This strategy is explored using the sociological framework of micro, meso, macro and mega levels illustrated by some fictionalized vignettes and examples drawn from the author’s practitioner researcher experience.
