This article describes a case study of a secondary education science teacher as a part of an investigation-action group. We analyze how reflection and action interact, and the influence on teacher professional development. To undertake this study we have developed a progression hypothesis that we call The Complexity Hypothesis, which progresses from technical efficiency, passing to interest in practical problems, and to critical awareness. The findings suggested that the teacher's conception is associated with the assimilation of the educational school learning, comprising a hard core of obstacles for her professional development. On the other hand, we also saw the emphasis on her interest in the pupils' difficulties in the learning process. This process indicates the direction of her professional development for more complex theories on the matter, as well as the fundamental importance of the support of the investigation-action group.
Educational-school learning; Obstacles; Reflection; Classroom practice and complexity; Science teacher’s professional development
