Training of teaching competences by action research

The primary objective of the present study was to determine whether action research is an effective didactic strategy for learning teaching competences in a real setting and from an interdisciplinary perspective. The sample consisted of 84 university students and 18 research projects including 540 children and adolescents in kindergarten, primary, and secondary school. The results showed that future teachers developed investigative competences by identifying a study problem in a real setting, by selecting creative methods and materials to implement an action plan, and by recording and socializing a research report. In addition, they strengthened other competencies that included teamwork, teaching-learning process management, information and communication technologies management, educational management, and oral and written communication. In conclusion, action research is a didactic strategy that improved the development of teaching skills in future teachers.