T2 Understanding AR (2018)

Summary

In this action research tutorial, Market Ryle explores various approaches to action research, emphasizing the democratic and collective nature of the process. The tutorial encourages participants to define their own understanding of action research through activities and resources, highlighting the importance of collaboration, participation, and community. It also discusses the value of action research in professional development and social justice, suggesting that the context of the research can shape its structure.

Takeaways

• 📚 The tutorial series aims to guide learners through the process of engaging in action research.
• 🔍 Different approaches to action research include collaborative, participatory, community-based, action learning, and others, each with unique characteristics.
• 🤔 The script encourages reflection on which approach to action research aligns with the learner's goals.
• 🌐 Action research is inherently democratic and collective, which means it can vary widely based on the researcher's emphasis.
• 📝 The American Educational Research Association's definition of action research is presented as a starting point for understanding the concept.
• 🌟 Transformational learning is highlighted as a key outcome of engaging in action research, impacting both the individual and their community.
• 🌱 Cultural humility is emphasized as an important aspect of approaching action research, especially when working with diverse communities.
• 📊 Online polls are mentioned as a tool for learners to gauge their understanding of action research and compare it with others.
• 📝 The tutorial prompts learners to document their current understanding of action research and how they plan to apply it.
• 💬 Sharing and discussing ideas with others is encouraged as a way to refine one's approach to action research.
• 🔗 Joining networks and engaging with communities is recommended to support action research endeavors.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the action research tutorials?

The purpose of the action research tutorials is to help learners engage in action research by providing activities and resources to support their learning process.

What are some of the different approaches to action research mentioned in the script?

The script mentions collaborative action research, participatory action research, community-based action research, action learning, participatory action learning, and action research itself as different approaches.

How does the script suggest understanding the different approaches to action research?

The script suggests understanding different approaches by looking at the emphasis each researcher places on collaboration, participation, and community in their work.

What role does the American Educational Research Association play in defining action research?

The American Educational Research Association is involved in defining action research by soliciting and accepting papers for conferences, thus helping to determine whether submitted research fits into the category of action research.

What is the significance of a 'living document' in the context of defining action research?

A 'living document' in the context of defining action research refers to a document that is continually updated and revised to include new perspectives and insights as they are identified, allowing for a dynamic and evolving definition.

How does the script describe transformational learning in the context of action research?

Transformational learning is described as the professional learning that happens to the person conducting action research, the change in their setting as a result of the research, and the change in the person as they become part of the action research community.

What is the focus of Gee McNiff's approach to action research?

Gee McNiff focuses on action research as a form of professional development, emphasizing values and the improvement of practices and situations through purposeful action.

How does Jack Whitehead's approach to action research differ from others mentioned in the script?

Jack Whitehead's approach focuses on the creation of 'living theory,' which is the theory practitioners develop as they work through their ideas, with a focus on learning rather than just the research process.

What is the role of cultural humility in action research according to the script?

Cultural humility is important in action research as it involves approaching a setting with an awareness of one's limited perspective, acknowledging that even attempts to understand others' perspectives may fall short.

What are the four activities suggested in tutorial 2 for learners to engage with?

The four activities suggested are: documenting one's understanding of action research in a blog, participating in online polls to compare views on different dimensions of action research, sharing ideas with others through forums or social media, and forming a description of how one plans to use action research in their own work.

Why is joining a network or community important when doing action research?

Joining a network or community is important for doing action research because it allows individuals to engage with others who are conducting similar research, find models for their own work, and potentially publish their research in relevant journals.