ABSTRACT
In this chapter the reader is invited to consider the merits and possibilities of applying action research techniques to the management of professional development. The author uses his own school as a case study for this, drawing from examples of practice, and argues that, particularly in a time of resource contraction and attacks on staff morale, heads and senior managers must promote openness, respect for persons, participation and questioning if they are to nurture a staff and curriculum development policy which is perceived by all parties to be relevant to their needs and to have practical outcomes. He sees whole school, department and individual action research as offering a practical way forward, and in doing so, reinforces the calls of the authors of the previous chapter for empowering teachers and schools to take more advantage of the whole range of opportunities for staff development.
