The emancipatory contributions of action research in the continuing professional development of teachers

Abstract

This text proposes to discuss the emancipatory contributions of action research to continuous teacher education. Action research is applied as an instrument in professional teacher training and development, and, therefore, as a promotion element of professional teacher emancipation. It is suggested that action research, linked to Critical Pedagogy, unfolds as an investigation, intervention, emancipation/liberation process for the individual, as well as a humanization process and thinking individual formation, seeking to find answers to various problems in a social context. Finally, it is emphasized that action research, more than ever, is an investigative/formative and collaborative process necessary for the existence of a critical education in fact committed to human survival/existence, its rights and dignity.