Hi Moira,
I've just read Qiao's account....very moving.
I spent a short time in NE China working with
teachers...I wish I'd read this before I went...it's
so insightful...and illustrates the importance of me
trying to understand social contexts.
What appeals to me is:
- the clear communication that drew me in
imaginatively to the situation
- I loved the idea of the teacher working on a
practical problem of teaching and learning, and seeing
some impact on the students from her action steps.
In this practitioner research I am drawn into Qiao's
situation by the clarity of description.
I am able to identify with her as an ex-school
teacher, and now as a tutor with teacher trainees.
I am able to generalise from her situation and from
her action steps, and the emerging theory.....to my
situation teaching a cross-cultural group of trainee
RE teachers from Islamic backgrounds.
This is one of the powers of good action
research......written in language I can
understanding...portrayal that arouses my imagination
and identification......and possibilities of
naturalistic generalisation.
Qiao is contributing to theory!!
Please say "thank you" from Brian.
--- Moira Laidlaw <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> I wonder if readers would be interested in the
> reflective writing of one of
> my graduate education-students from Guyuan, Qiao
> Qian, a young woman, who
> wanted to find how she might create a harmonious
> atmosphere in her
> teaching-practice class. It can be found at:
> http://www.jackwhitehead.com/china/qiaoqian.htm
>
> She has given me permission to give the url for this
> writing.
>
> Warmest regards,
>
> Moira
>
Brian E. Wakeman
Education adviser
Dunstable
Beds
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