Action Research: A Dynamic Discipline for Advancing Professional Goals

Action research methodology, a cyclical problem-solving process including the steps of planning, acting and reflecting, was used to facilitate organisational and scholarly development of academic staff in a clinically focused mid-western university occupational therapy department in the USA. An experienced staff development consultant worked with the professor and chair to create a 3-year developmental programme of several half-day and full-day workshops, graduate seminars and courses, team projects and individual career development consultations.

Staff members created individual vision and mission statements and professional career plans and integrated these with departmental vision and mission statements and a strategic plan. Developmental efforts resulted in identifiable achievements of department members in improving teaching, clarifying community/professional service goals and involvement, and becoming more knowledgeable about, skilful at and actively engaged in academic scholarship.