ABSTRACT
This chapter provides some of the ways that action research groups have been constituted in order to nurture, s support, and take advantage of collaboration. They include enhanced normal practice through long and serious conversations; journal clubs; lesson and learning studies; and whole school or institution-wide action research. The defining feature of school-wide action research is the focus on the school as the entity engaged in action research. Journal clubs are organic in nature and need formative information if they are to be useful to their members. Lesson studies and learning studies are similar ways for teachers to collaborate to improve their practice and their students' learning. The World Association of Lesson Studies provides a platform for research collaboration, mutual assistance, and information exchange. Lesson studies are in Japan the most widespread form of professional development in the teaching profession Learning is always directed toward something—a phenomenon, an object, a skill, or certain aspects of reality.
