Because of the documented positive impact of high teacher efficacy on
student success, it is critical that schools consider methods to
increase teacher efficacy. The most common way to effect positive change
in a school is through quality professional development. One type of
effective professional development is action research--a method wherein
practitioners investigate questions relevant to their own situations
with the purpose of effecting a positive change. This research
investigated the impact of participation in action research on teacher
efficacy. The research design followed a mixed methods, multiple case
study model. Data analysis showed that participation in action research
did impact teacher efficacy, especially in instructional practices. A
teacher's willingness to continue as a teacher-researcher was also
positively impacted for some participants.