Infed Article - Action Research

1)      Outline the two distinct views of action research the author describes. 

•  British tradition: linked to education; research oriented toward the enhancement of direct practice.

• USA: approached within the social welfare; systematic collection of information --> to bring social change.

2)      Briefly list the steps in the spiral proposed by Lewin.

• identifying a general or initial idea
• reconnaisance or fact finding
• planning
• take first action step
• evaluate
• amended plan
• take second action step...

3)      What are some of the criticisms action research had to face?

• associated with radical political activism
• correct knowledge does not of itself lead to change
• it does not pay attention to the matrix of cultural and psychic forces

4)      Why did it decline in favour in the 1960s?

• because of the criticism (see  question 3)

5)      According to Stringer, what are the characteristics of community-based action research?

• democratic, equitable, liberating, life enhancing 

6)      What are its three basic phases?

• Look: building picture, gathering information > problem, participants
• Think: interpreting and explaining > situation, success, deficiencies
• Act: resolving issues and problems > judgment of worth, effectiveness and appropriateness, formulation of solutions

7)      How does Corey see the relationship between collaborative and individual action?

• group = collaborative > AR
• individual = critically examined action

8)      Mactaggert states that AR is not a “method” or “procedure” for research. What is it, then, in his view?

• AR = a series of commitment to observe and problematize through practice a series of principles for conducting social enquiry 

9)      Scan through the works listed in Further Reading. Which of these titles appeal to you? Why?

• Atweh, B., Kemmis, S. and Weeks, P.: Action Research in Practice: Partnership for Social Justice in Education. 
• Carr, W. and Kemmis, S: Becoming Critical. Education, Knowledge and Action Research. 
• McNiff, J.: Teaching as Learning.: An Action Research Approach. 
• Elliot, J.: Action Research for Educational Change. 
• Macintyre, C.: The Art of Action Research in the Classroom.   
• > connection to our project and subjects at university