Hi Margaret,
If you're trying to discover what people think are defining characteristics etc., the following list might provide a useful starting point. It comes from Somekh, B. (2006) Action Research: A Methodology for Change and Development. (Maidenhead, Open University Press).
Action research:
‘integrates research and action in a series of flexible cycles’
‘is conducted by a collaborative partnership of participants and researchers’
‘involves the development of knowledge and understanding of … change and development in a natural (as opposed to contrived) social situation’
‘starts from a vision of social transformation and aspirations of greater social justice for all’
‘involves a high level of reflexivity and sensitivity to the role of the self’
‘involves exploratory engagement with a wide range of existing knowledge’
‘engenders powerful learning for participants’
‘locates the enquiry in an understanding of broader historical, political and ideological contexts’ (Somekh, 2006)
I know there are lots of other such lists, but I like this one!
Best wishes,
Tim Cain
________________________________________
From: Practitioner-Researcher [[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Susan Goff [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 07 May 2010 08:23
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Education and Learning Virtual Networking Stream for ALARA's 8th World Congress
On 7/05/10 5:03 PM, "Margaret Riel" <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
Hi all,
I had a great time meeting some of you at AERA and others online. I too was struck with the different way people are using action research. I am going to create a poll..I am thinking of listing a number of salient properties with something like the following choices...
| | A defining characteristic of all action research
| | Present in most forms of action research but not a defining characteristic
| | Often is part of action research
| | Rarely a part of action research
| | This characteristic is in direct contrast to action research
If anyone wants to help me generate the list, I would be happy to have help. I thought it might be good discussion starter to see where we all are in our definitions. I have through my readings and teaching and writing generated my view of what action research and I have been enjoying reading what others say.
By the way, I am reading a book I picked up at AERA The action research dissertation: A guide for students and factuly. by Herr & Anderson which Juin might find helpful.
As for the map, if the organization thinks that they fit under the action research banner, that is enough for me. I am happy to have them added to the action research world. While I need person clarity on concepts I care about, I am ok with others have a different perspective.
Margaret Riel
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