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=Defining Action Research - Initial Thoughts...=

Rereading the the cadre's definitions of Action Research Project from the begining of the program, I was struck by four main themes: basic definitions of ARP; identifying processes of an ARP: examples of specific forms of ARP; philosophical approaches of ARP.

For example, several people, including Robert and Margret used this: "Action research combines theory and practice (and researchers and practitioners) through change and reflection in an immediate problematic situation within a mutually acceptable ethical framework.

Action research is an iterative process involving researchers and practitioners acting together on a particular cycle of activities, including problem diagnosis, action intervention, and reflective learning."

(Avison, D., Lau,F, Myers,M, and Neilson,P, ( 1999) Action Research Vol. 42, No. 1 COMMUNICATIONS OF THE ACM.)

Others focused more on a specific aspect of ARP such as Debby Jones: "Classroom action research begins with some kind of a supposition emerging from observation, knowledge and experience, a vision of a life in schools where things could and should be otherwise. Implicit or explicit, action research has theoretical implications, both drawing from and shaping new theory. Classroom action research is political. . . . In all of its nuances, complexities, and promise, action research coalesces with a variety of new methodological and theoretical genres giving incentive to ask and act." (Stout, C. J. With All Due Respect: A Second Look at Action Research. Studies in Art Education v. 47 no. 3 (Spring 2006) p. 195-7)

Others, such as Allen looked at parts of the : Action research involves gaining knowledge through direct participation in a dynamic research process of cycles of planning, action, observing, and critical reflection (Kemmis, 1985; Kemmis & McTaggart?, 1988; Owens et al., 1999). The process of cycles involves testing of new ideas through action in practice, evaluating, reflecting on and critically analysing the results of the new approach. Insights gained in each level of the cycle are used to develop new ideas to continue the spiral of learning. Dialogue between participants is a key inquiry process, which enhances understanding of the intent of the participants' actions. By working together, a group can generate a greater insight into human behaviour than studying that behaviour from an outside perspective as in quantitative research (Kemmis, 1985). Reflection as a means to foster client-centred practice, Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy, April 1, 2005, Vol. 72, No. 2; Pg. 103; )

Finally, there were those like myself, taking a more philosophical approach to defining ARP: "Since we can neither appeal to universal reason nor to an external reality as foundations for our claims, argument must move through a process of redescription. It is argued that just as Rorty is redescribing philosophy, so action researchers are redescribing inquiry. Rorty's ideas are compared with five basic characteristics of action research: practical knowing, democracy and participation; ways of knowing; human and ecological flourishing; and emergent form. Finally, Rorty's notion of the ironist is compared with the action researchers as reflective practitioner. The stimulating quality of Rorty's thought suggests that action researchers must find new language to describe their work, rather than be caught in the old academic metaphors of research. " (Reason, Peter. Pragmatist Philosophy and Action Research: Readings and Conversation with Richard Rorty. Action Research, Vol. 1, No. 1, 103-123 (2003). Accessed : http://arj.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/1/1/103 on 7/20/07

I think that the most succint definition is the from the ACM journal by Avison, Lau, Myers, and Neilson. It is clear, to the point and understandable- the rest are commentaries. [DG}

Action Research Data Analysis Activity Themes:

Self-Reflective hands-on learning framework Identifying a Problem and Solving it - Robert Will work on this topic Systematic Process driven-both theory and practice It's about You-Improving your practice - I will talk about this one [HW] [RM]