TEACHER AS A RESEARCHER: TO BE OR NOT TO BE?

This paper presents some reflections on the concept of teacher as a researcher. It describes the results of two studies. In the first study, 44 Estonian pre-school and basic school teachers were surveyed in order to identify their understanding about the concept of the teacher as a researcher. They were asked to describe the role of the teacher as a researcher, their motivation to adopt research activities in their work, and the main obstacles preventing a teacher from acting as a researcher. The results show that although doing research is important according to teachers, they fail to practice it themselves due to lack of knowledge and time. In the second study, 49 Estonian teachers were asked to describe the phases that are necessary for conducting research. Based on the results three types of teacher researchers emerged: Inquirers, Analyzers, and Seekers. Overall, the teachers believe that teacher research activities help improve their teaching, but need support in applying research related activities.