Bridging the gap between practice and theory through action research in Lithuanian system of EFL education

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Atotrūkio tarp teorijos ir praktikos mažinimas; EFL mokymo problemos; Mokymasis visą gyvenimą; Mokymo ir mokymosi kokybė; Refleksija; Veiklos tyrimas; Veiksmo tyrimas; Action research; Bridging the gap between theory and practice; EFL teaching problems; Life-long learning; Quality of teaching and learning; Reflection.

ENThis article deals with the possibilities of the incorporation of action research into teachers' education as well as into their life-long career. Action research serves as a precondition for the development of critical thinking of teachers who seek to improve both educational context and process. It provides opportunities for the teamwork of different professionals working in educational institutions and encourages them to bridge the gap between theory gained at universities and real world practice at schools. Involvement of students, parents, school managers and education policy makers in the action research guarantees the validity and relevance of the research carried out at schools. [From the publication]