Innovative Teaching Through Action Research: International Case Studies and Practical Applications

Teachers shape learning experiences, facing complex classroom challenges that require thoughtful solutions. One effective way educators address these challenges is by examining their own teaching practices and student outcomes. Through action research, educators become active investigators in their classrooms, identifying problems, implementing strategies, and evaluating the results to improve learning. This reflective and evidence-based approach allows teachers to refine their methods, respond to student needs more effectively, and contribute to professional knowledge in their schools. By exploring real-world case studies and practical applications, action research demonstrates how educators can take ownership of improvement efforts and create meaningful, sustainable changes in their teaching and their students' success. Innovative Teaching Through Action Research: International Case Studies and Practical Applications explores action research as a tool for professional growth, instructional improvement, and student success. It provides various approaches to conduct action research in educational settings, equipping educators with the skills to critically analyze their teaching practices, identify challenges, and implement data-driven solutions. This book covers topics such as data science, instructional design, and professional development, and is a useful resource for educators, academicians, researchers, and scientists.

Grace Huang is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and Counseling at Cleveland State University in the United States. She directs the CSU Action Research Program and co-leads the Center for Refugee and Immigrant Success (CRIS), where she connects research, education, and community partnerships to strengthen support for newcomer communities. A central focus of her scholarship is collaborative action research and the development of sustained school–university partnerships that strengthen practitioner inquiry, professional learning, and educational change. She currently serves as Chair of the Action Research Special Interest Group of the American Educational Research Association (AERA). Since 2013, Huang has developed and led a collaborative action research model that positions PreK–12 practitioners as inquiry leaders and university faculty as research partners. The model supports educators throughout the inquiry process―from identifying locally meaningful problems of practice and designing studies to sharing findings through symposia, conferences, and publications. Under her leadership, the CSU Action Research Program has supported more than 190 practitioner-led projects and expanded partnerships across Ohio and beyond. Across her scholarship, program leadership, and professional service, Huang’s work advances collaborative action research as a powerful approach to practitioner empowerment, professional learning, and educational transformation. Her broader scholarship addresses newcomer education and culturally grounded parenting and family engagement through partnerships with schools and communities.

Jeff Karem is Professor of English and Africana Studies at Cleveland State University. His research and teaching focus on twentieth and twenty-first century literature of the Americas, with the goal of advancing a multi-lingual and international approach to the field. Dr. Karem is the author of sixteen articles and two books. In addition to literary criticism and history, Dr. Karem is an active scholar of the practice of teaching. He is particularly interested in how genre fiction (such as science fiction, fantasy, and spy fiction) can promote critical thinking in younger readers. Dr. Karem works to foster collaboration between his university and community partners to promote excellence and access in the arts and humanities in Cleveland. He has completed action research in multiple schools with partner teachers, including Ohio’s 2023 Teacher of the Year and the 2022 National Teacher of the Year.

Marius Boboc has been the Dean of the College of Education at the University of Missouri St. Louis, and Professor of Educator Preparation and Leadership since July 2025. Prior to that, his work experience includes being a faculty member and administrator at both departmental and university levels at Cleveland State University (CSU) from 2002 to 2025. At CSU, his teaching included courses in general methods of instruction, curriculum theory, student assessment, classroom management, international/comparative education, urban education policy, leadership and change management, and qualitative research. His research interests relate to online instruction, assessment and accreditation in higher education, postmodern education, teacher preparation reform, and higher education leadership and community engagement. Marius earned his M.A. in Teacher Leadership from Roosevelt University in Chicago, and his Ed.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Northern Iowa.