Exploratory Action Research (EAR) is designed ‘for busy teachers in quite difficult circumstances’: explore a classroom problem with light data, then plan, act and evaluate. Mentors guide with questions, not solutions.
The book reviewed
Stories of Mentoring Teacher-Research (eds. Smith, Eraldemir Tuyan, Serra, Békés; IATEFL ReSIG and MenTRnet, 2024, ISBN 978-1-912588-50-3). 20 mentor narratives from ~22 regions, including Uzbekistan.
EAR
Smith & Rebolledo (2018) A Handbook for Exploratory Action Research (British Council, free). Phases: explore (understand the problem before acting) → act → evaluate.
Mentoring moves
- Don’t solve the problem. Ask the right question at the right time: “mentees need guidance and inspiration, not direct solutions.”
- Time is the main constraint, so schedule regular check-ins.
- Move from external blame (students, coursebook, timetable) to achievable changes.
Apply in my context (Claude)
- EAR is a natural bridge to DELTA Module 2 experimental practice and the PDA. A Rahimov “teacher-research circle” could use the free British Council handbook.
Connections
The PDA on intensive DELTA - six fixes · Coaching vs mentoring - teachers showing up for teachers