Dear Moira,
I just have read your response on our videos and I really do not have a
word to express my feelings. I only can say that I have never got such
response in my life. It is not response, it is poetry. I have supposed
that action research should be something more than scientific approach
and you just have given me the evidence that it is the true. When I read
your words without breath my first thought was that you found out more
in that video than I have ever done before…
I have interrupted my writing because I have realised that I could not
write answer without Marica. (Just small explanation: There were three
adult persons - Marica Zovko, students' teacher, Vesna Simic, teacher
who was sitting in the corner but she works at other school).
I have phoned her and retold what you wrote to us. I have also
translated several part of your text that she could imagine how you
review our video in details. She said that it is strong encouragement to
continue with new generation of students on the same way. She told me
that it was not easy for her to obtain such results because she often
felt guilty because she did not realise her job on the way as it was
expected from her, but she endured and succeeded to win the system. I
told her that she did not win the system but she overcome system in
herself. When she succeeded to change herself she was able to change her
educational practice. All of that what surprised you on the same way
surprised me when I talked with children and latter when I again watched
video. That I did not expect that children could obtain more than we
commonly suppose, I would not start, but our results extended my
expectations. Few days ago in our conversation about her ex-students
Marica told me very interesting detail. She said that several girls, who
were upbringing in traditional (patriarchal) way, were most active
action researchers. In the beginning she helped them to express their
feelings, needs, thoughts and creativity. We concluded that education of
action researcher can not begin with strictly action research questions,
but with education which liberate children' potentials, which allow them
to fulfil their needs and to creatively express themselves as unique
persons and rich social being. Similar situation is with adults. I
realised that I could not teach teacher only what action research is
because it is not set of methods. I realized that action research is
much more philosophy, or even better artistry, which requires from us to
change ourselves if we want to help others to become participants in
such process of change. It additionally requires from us to be
completely dedicated to our colleges with whom we cooperate. Quality of
communication and relationship is much more important in realisation of
action research both with children and adults than any conception of
rigor which I ever heard. But as in love we can not forced or even
persuade somebody to have quality relationships and communication with
us. It is a mater of confidence which could be built or devalued through
various aspects of our relationships. I have learned from you that I
must devote more care to that aspect of my practice. You have showed me
how important is small, almost invisible details in our daily communication.
I have to say that what you sow at video is not my immediate
contribution. Behind all of that stay my friend and great teacher Marica
Zovko, who despite the problems succeeds in fulfilment of our shared
values. Therefore, I salute her and her students!
Thank you very much for your action research poetry which means to me so
much.
With love and respect,
Branko Bognar
PS: I am finishing my last postings to the seminar before I go on vacation.
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