Aprendiendo a investigar a través de la investigación-acción

Abstract

This article presents the results of a study that involved Chilean students in systema- tic action research (AR) as a means to learn how to do research and improve their skills as students and future teachers. It was conducted in an undergraduate course with 50 second-year students of the English Teaching program at the Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile. The methodology used to obtain data was to carry out interviews, which were transcribed and subjected to an analysis using previous categories inherent in the questions and searching for emerging categories. The re- sults revealed that research, through action research, gives students the possibility of carrying out research and critical reflection processes on their own practice. Stu- dents perceived that the self-reflexive spiral of reflection and action is critical to establish search and reasoning habits. It is concluded that students’ lack of prior knowledge about research affects their professional growth and preparation for fu- ture teaching performance. It is necessary to include systematic action research in initial teacher training programs in Chile to develop research and reflection habits among future teachers.