'Wow! If a trans-national history, depicting the development of educational research as a form of action research, ever comes to be written the research reported in this book deserves to be cited as an important stage in the development of such a process. The assemblage of case studies in this book, for which Gallagher-Brett and Lechner as editors are to be congratulated, represents both a landmark in the development of an action research process as a sustainable achievement in the field of language teaching and a work in progress towards the development of a 'tradition of understanding' across one of the most complex fields of educational endeavour in 21st century Europe. This book invites its readers to imaginatively participate in these conversational case studies; one's that do not make methodical, smooth and logical progress towards agreed interpretations of life in language teaching classrooms but will deepen and inform their own practical insights in an increasingly important field of curriculum study.'

John Elliott, University of East Anglia, UK

'This inspiring book, motivated by the Action Research Communities initiatives established by the European Centre for Modern Languages, is a 'must-read' for any language teacher, teacher educator, researcher or policy-maker curious about how action research (AR) empowers collaborative teacher professional learning. Drawing on robust theoretical and practical viewpoints and centred on diverse European contexts, it stands as an exemplary collection on the value and achievements of AR in contemporary language education. It also demonstrates the reach and potential of AR to dramatically transform teaching practices and to engender more positive student learning experiences.'

Anne Burns, UNSW Sydney, Australia

'Uniting these case-studies from very different contexts and with very different challenges is the value given to teacher voice and to teacher knowledge through action research; across Europe language teachers are empowered to reflect on their practice and bring about positive change. I am delighted that this book is the fruit of an ECML development project which evolved into an ECML Training and Consultancy Activity. It bears witness to the added value of this unique European community of practice in the field of language education and of the kind of transformative learning that can be engendered when linguistic, cultural and pedagogic boundaries are crossed.'

Sarah Breslin, Executive Director, European Centre for Modern Languages and Head of Language Policy, Council of Europe

'Action Research has been a transformative movement for language educators, extending the reach of reflective practice and now given fresh impetus by the growth of collaborative communities. The editors of this volume have assembled a stunning range of experiences to demonstrate its potential. Contributors from all corners of Europe speak cogently about the successes and challenges they have encountered. They provide an extraordinary tool box of approaches and techniques that can drive language teaching and learning to even higher levels.'

Michael Kelly, University of Southampton, UK

'Of particular interest in this book is the range of geographical and educational settings in which the studies are located, thus appealing to a range of readers interested in the possibilities of action research in language learning. The rich and authentic detail provided by the practitioner-researchers, of their contexts, learning communities and processes, is a real strength of this book. Likewise, the enactment of action research in diverse educational systems, from those which value teacher autonomy, to those in which centralised control is the norm, speaks of the potency of action research, and its responsiveness and efficacy in those contexts. Thus, while the book is aimed at language teachers and teaching, it is also a book about action research itself, and its value in educational community-building and sustainable teacher professional learning and development.'

Mary McAteer, Joint Lead Coordinator at Collaborative Action Research Network (CARN), UK

'With great pleasure I draw your attention to this publication, which provides a large number of very concrete and, above all, authentic examples of action research in various contexts referring to:

- objectives relating to intercultural awareness
- objectives relating to language proficiency, particularly in relation to spontaneous speech

The book provides a broad spectrum of possible research and action and serves as a source of inspiration for a wide range of applications. Following a solid scientific framework that examines the key epistemological coordinates of action research in the linguistic-cultural field the book offers an overview of content and models that can foster ideas and initiatives.'

Federica Ricci Garotti, Senior Professor of German Language and Linguistics, University of Trento, Italy