Three methods from different schools illustrate how the cyclic process of action research can be used to develop teaching skills. The importance of learning from successful and unsuccessful lessons or parts of lessons is emphasised as the basis for development and improvement. This process can be carried out on an individual basis but development is often more effective by working in groups. [This article was written with Ali Redmore, Mary Rees, Matt Hamilton, David Struthers, Jules Gordon, Sarah Torrance and Julie Jordan.]