1) Outline the two distinct views of action research the author describes.
The British mainly think of action research as a tool to improve direct practice. Participants are doing self-reflective research in a social group in order to advance the reasoning and understanding of their own practices. This tradition views action research rather as an educational implement.
The second view of action research, mainly supported in the United States, is more concerned with the social aspect of action research. Action research is used by a community or a group of involved people in order to change unfair practices or counteract environmental damaging.
2) Briefly list the steps in the spiral proposed by Lewin.
According to Kurt Lewin, one should first develop an idea to start an active research. After phrasing an initial idea, one has to find facts concerning this idea in which process the idea will be finalized. The next step is planning the research and deciding on the first step of action. Taking this step is the next action. One then has to reflect on the first step, pointing out the difficulties and problems in order to rethink and adapt the initial plan. This procedure of planning, taking the next step, reflecting and adapting is now to be repeated until the active research is done.
3) What are some of the criticisms action research had to face?
Because the approach and the single steps can be interpreted differently, results may not always be "good", but still "correct" in terms of the process.
Is action research "real" research?
4) Why did it decline in favor in the 1960s?
Because the approach and the single steps can be interpreted differently, results may not always be "good", but still "correct" in terms of the process.
Is action research "real" research?
4) Why did it decline in favor in the 1960s?
Stringer (2007: 9) says, that action research was associated with radical political activism.
5) According to Stringer, what are the characteristics of community-based action research?
The characteristics of community-based action research are the following: It is democratic because all people are enabled to participate. In addition, it is equitable because it acknowledges people's equality of worth. Because it is providing freedom from oppressive, debilitating situations, it is liberating. Furthermore, it is life enhancing because it enables the expression of people's full human potential.
6) What are its three basic phases?
According to Stringer, the action research process works through three basic phases: Look, Think and Act. The first phase is mainly about building a picture and gathering information. In the second phase, the participants analyze and interpret the situation. Additionally, they reflect on their own and each other's activities so far. The third phase is about resolving issues and problems - the goal of this phase is to formulate solutions to any problems.
7) How do Kemmis and McTaggert see the relationship between collaborative and individual action?
Accordin to Kemmis and McTaggert the goal of action research is that something results out of collaborative work. But for this collaborative work to happen, the actions of individual members which constitute the group need to be examined in the first place.
According to Kemmis and McTaggart action research has to b
8) McTaggert states that AR is not a “method” or “procedure” for research. What is it, then, in his view?
Following the spiral (see point 2.) does not mean that action research is necessarily taking place. It is more about commiting to observe certain characteristics of our society and also reflecting some of those aspects, so that a broader knowledge of social practices can be seen.
9) Scan through the works listed in Further Reading. Which of these titles appeal to you? Why?
1. Atweh, Kemis, Weeks: Action Research in Practice
2. Dadds: Passionate Enquiry and School Development
3. Plummer, Edwards: CARN Critical Conversation
4. McNiff, J: Teaching as learning: An Action Research Approach (The aspect of educational knowledge being created by the values of teachers is an interesting aspect to read about. Family plays an important role in this aspect too. It would be interesting to know how these two themes are linked together.)
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