The sentiments expressed below about how we can be supported in finding our
"selves" through discussions with others in such a group as this are my own
feelings and values but put much more eloquently.

When I did my own PhD through Collaborative Action Research I found the
level of commitment to each other in similar action research groups an
amazing experience, having struggled to have my proposal accepted by the
University committee.To be able to share the emotional highs and lows with
like minded people was often the only life line which kept me going rather
than giving up at the proposal stage.

There are  now more of "us" on the committee (including me!) and there is a
better understanding of and value put on what, in 1993-4, was seen as
esoteric and not scientific - so thus not valid or even research. The unease
I have now is that I see many proposals coming through for approval as
"Action Research" when there is no action. It seems that there is a
conundrum in which action research is practitioner research but not all
practitioner research is action research (bit like the fruits and oranges
logic statement).

I think we have to explore our understandings constantly and ask ourselves
what we are doing to support new practitioner action researchers and to
encourage those who think evaluative research is action research to explore
the richness of becoming involved in the development of  their own living
theory -  to explore the "living contradictions" their work may show up as
they problematise and redefine their understandings through such a powerful
process.

I found Jack's website at Bath a real boost and sent a message to all those
whose theses I'd been able to share through that site. I am still grateful
to them and encourage others to look.

Sue

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robyn Pound [SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
> Sent: 03 March 2004 18:24
> To:   [log in to unmask]
> Subject:      Re: Robyn pounds message
>
> -----Mon, 1 Mar 2004 12:14 PROF. CHRIS N. HOELSON -----
> Wrote:
> Thanks Robyn for your affirming comments and confirmation of reciprocity
> and
> an atmosphere of security in fostering exploration and collaboration in
> the
> supervisory context. You are most welcome to put it on the list.
>
> My colleague, Phumeza, who is from an urban Xhosa cultural background and
> is
> trilingual (Xhosa, English and Afrikaans) is interested in researching the
> interface between urban Xhosa parents who are having their first child and
> their
> own parents. She is concerned about the perceived cultural differences and
> lack
> of support between the new parents and also between the new parents and
> their
> parents and wants to research this aspect in a manner that does not
> further
> traumatise or harm the participants. At present she is still exploring an
> appropriate methodology that may include action research.
>
>
> My particular focus, as her urban bilingual (English and Afrikaans) white
> male
> colleague and supervisor is to use action research (as a novice) to
> research and
> improve my supervision of her studies in a manner that mutually empowers,
> motivates and creates opportunities for increased self development in the
> context of our cultural, power, gender, historical and academic
> differences. My
> concern is that we also work collaboratively and harmoniously but not
> patronisingly towards our own research goals.
>
>
> At this stage it seems to me that I need to write a tentative research
> proposal,
> which will map my intentions and form a framework for planning this
> project
> as it
> may give a better and more holistic view to others of what we intend to
> do.
>
> Kind regards
>
> Chris
>
>
>
> ------On 27 Feb 04, at 4:02, Robyn Pound -----
> Wrote:
> Ooh how lovely to think some one is actually reading it!  The interesting
> thing about the research process I found is that I struggled with some of
> the contradictions about myself - of course.  Theres probably nothing
> strange in that.  I found it easier to be more public about my failings
> when they became understandable to me or I managed to change them a bit
> and
> to feel happier about them.
>
> What helped was to be allowed to come to new understanding at my
> own pace as I was able.  This seemed to be in a climate where
> people were supportive and affirming (I believe we need that -
> well I do), and I was given time by people who were geniuinely
> interested enough to think with me in greater depth than just
> saying, 'that's nice'.  I had no problem receiving critique from
> people i had a close relationship with and I think it became
> absorbed within the process of learning.   Critique from people
> displaying positions of power I was more likely to be affronted by
> and I wasted time defending myself.  So this tells me that
> reciprocity speeds up engaged learning for me.  In the supervisory
> role reciprocity is probably easier to create when both are asking
> questions about what they are doing.   However, 'containment' I
> also found is important through crises when I wanted the other to
> take charge for a bit.  On another day it might happen the other
> way around and i take responsibility for what happens.  Its fine
> tuning stuff isn't it getting that relationship right.  For that
> reason i now believe that creating a strong connection with the
> other is just the most important thing.  Its more difficult if I
> instinctively don't like them but worth the effort and in some
> strange way more exciting!  The strong warm, safe feelings to be
> had from feeling connected with another make it easier to explore
> and take risks.  Getting it wrong seems not to be so disastrous as
> there is a cushion of trust, cooperation, security to absorb the
> blows.  Good Luck.  Can I put this discussion on the list then it
> might be interesting to others?  Robyn
>
>
> -----On 27 Feb 04, at 13:04 PROF.CHRIS N. HOELSON-----
>
> wrote: Hi Robyn I have just joined
> the list at Jack Whitehead's suggestion and was very interested to
> follow this conversation as I am in the process of planning a
> collaborative action research project with a PhD candidate who is
> also a colleague of mine.
>
> At this stage we are still busy formulating an initial research
> proposal about increasing the congruence of our personal,
> research and professional values in our research supervision
> relationship. We would value any comments etc from you or any
> other interested parties.
>
> I have accessed your thesis and am busy reading it at present but
> have already experienced much stimulating resonance with your
> ideas and values.
> Kind regards
> Chris