| 1. |
- Ahlberg, Beth Maina, 1949-, et al.
(author)
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"A child, a tree" : Challenges in building collaborative relations in a community research project in a Kenyan context
- 2016
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 14:3, s. 257-275
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper highlights the potential for basing participatory action research on priorities identified by communities. The case builds on a research project by the Social Science Medicine Africa Network (Soma-net) focusing on AIDS prevention among school youth in Kajiado in Kenya during 2003-2006. It became clear from that study just how complex it is to promote open communication on issues of sexuality considered critical for sexual health promotion. Towards the end of that study a spin-off in the form of a concept a child, a tree or tree planting evolved and the research thereafter continued as a partnership between the school community and the researchers. The focus then was on understanding how health promotion could be integrated into other aspects of community life. The concept and tree planting when implemented created a sense of ownership among the pupils largely because they were placed at the centre of the development activities. The story illuminates the nature of change developing in the course of the project, but also the challenges and complexity of creating and maintaining collaborative relations in the face of cultural and gender power dynamics and interventions imposed from outside the community.
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| 2. |
- Berglund, Karin Anna Elisabeth, et al.
(author)
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Using pictures and artefacts in a PAR process to disclose new wor(l)ds of entrepreneurship
- 2012
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 10:3, s. 276-292
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Drawing on Freire, this article elaborates on how pictures and artefacts benefit processes of 'prise de conscience' and 'conscientization' among those with powerful voices. Wor(l)d-making was unfolded in the Swedish think-and-do tank, 'the Smithy', emphasizing the intrinsically political nature of promoting 'societal entrepreneurship' (SE). New words for SE were formulated and a more inclusive world was discerned where all had a role, not just as 'helpers', but as equal members of SE practices. Pictures and artefacts enabled hitherto silenced stories to be told and created a common understanding of how SE contrasted with traditional entrepreneurship. When new words were added to entrepreneurship, it was possible to reflect on the actions taken within the Smithy in a deeper sense, not only focusing on actions for the entrepreneurs 'out there', but also initiating self-reflection on the roles all had in the Smithy, or in other settings, to promote SE.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
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| 5. |
- Dabaieh, Marwa
(author)
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Participatory action research as a tool in solving desert vernacular architecture problems in the Western Desert of Egypt
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:3, s. 279-298
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Vernacular architecture is suffering all over the world and Egypt is one of the countries where the desert vernacular is facing a great risk of disappearance. The aim of the research is to introduce a methodological approach applying participatory action research (PAR) as a tool to help save the future of the currently deteriorating desert vernacular architecture. The aim was to help prevent further loss of desert vernacular architecture knowledge and to encourage vernacular know-how in becoming a living part of future building practices. To benefit from local know-how, a desert vernacular model house was constructed using PAR methods that engaged the local community throughout the design and building phases. The model house was constructed based on an understanding of desert vernacular architecture as well as of the urban fabric and building technology. The town of Balat in the Western Desert of Egypt was chosen as a location for this research work application. As this is an international problem the research developed several techniques within PAR, applied in a flexible way, giving the opportunity for further application in similar vernacular settlements suffering from similar problems.
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| 6. |
- Eklund Karlsson, Leena, 1956-, et al.
(author)
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Work-integrated learning and health literacy as catalysts for Roma empowerment and social inclusion: A participatory action research
- 2019
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 17:4, s. 549-572
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Roma people all over the world have often been subject to prejudice, stigma, discrimination and oppression. Many Roma have little or no education, which in combination with other factors often leads to unemployment and marginalization. Based on a case study in Sweden, this paper proposes an approach that can be used in participatory projects aiming at improving the living situation of marginalized people. In such an approach, the Roma themselves would be the leaders in all activities concerning the group. The first aim of this paper is to describe how health literacy and work-integrated learning functioned as empowering tools for a Roma-led inclusion process within a participatory action research framework. The second aim is to discuss and reflect on the use of participatory action research in community work with Roma based on the experiences of the participatory action research participants. The findings indicate that work-integrated learning may be a worthwhile approach for increasing the individual empowerment and self-led social inclusion of vulnerable people. However, the obstacles of structural discriminatory nature hindered the project to reach its full potential in its intended emancipatory goals.
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| 7. |
- Ekman Philips, Marianne
(author)
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Action Research and development coalitions in health care
- 2004
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In: Action Research. - London : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 2:4, s. 349-370
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Action research within the field of work and organization has, for several decades, struggled with the problem of concentrating its efforts on a few workplaces versus distributing them on many. The Swedish programme ‘Work environment in health care’ was an effort to reach out broadly in this sector of working life, although with limited resources. The article presents and discusses an approach based on using dialogically structured encounters to support a number of local developments at the same time as an effort was made to turn these encounters into a permanent infrastructure for development.
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| 8. |
- Ericson-Lidman, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Care providers learning to deal with troubled conscience through participatory action research
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:4, s. 386-402
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this study was to identify a process to assist care providers in dealing constructively with their troubled conscience generated by a difficult situation in elderly care relating to spitting behaviour. Our idea was, with help from participatory action research (PAR), that sharing and reflecting with others upon the voice of conscience, may support care providers to find ways to deal constructively with troubled conscience. Care providers in municipal elderly care participated in intervention sessions over one year, and with support from PAR, they were able to learn to ease the burden of a troubled conscience. They dealt with their troubled conscience constructively by sharing their thoughts and feelings, and gaining more knowledge about behavioural symptoms. They were trying to take relevant measures when caring for the resident, and perceiving the behaviour as unintentional. In this study PAR contributes with increased understanding of the necessity to listen to one's conscience and of the possibility of using conscience as a driving force, to develop clinical practice. This contribution of PAR may in the long run increase quality of care and work-related health.
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| 9. |
- Ericson-Lidman, Eva, et al.
(author)
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Using a developed participatory action research process in practice to help care providers deal with troubled conscience in residential care of older people
- 2018
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In: Action Research. - London : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 16:2, s. 190-206
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Stress of conscience seriously influence the quality of care and the wellbeing of the care providers in care for older people. It is therefore of great importance to take measures to address, and relieve but preferably prevent stress related to troubled conscience. In our participatory action research studies, we have used troubled conscience as a driving force to relieve care providers’ burden and to increase quality of care. The aim with this paper is to present our experiences of using a further developed participatory action research process in practice to deal with care providers’ troubled conscience in residential care for older people. The contribution to participatory action research practice in our studies is a support to the participatory action research process through using a modified model of problem processing, an approach which we found fruitful. In the paper, we describe our experiences and discuss them in relation to relevant literature and theory. Our experiences are that in participatory action research it is crucial to build a trusting relationship and striving to create a fruitful dialogue between the researchers and the participants. In our studies, we found that participatory action research is an easy approach to adapt as a problem-solving process in clinical practice and in nursing research.
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| 10. |
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| 11. |
- Gustavsson, Susanne, 1966, et al.
(author)
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Patient involvement 2.0 : Experience-based co-design supported by action research
- 2019
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 17:4, s. 469-491
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Strong professionals who influence the development of healthcare services have dominated healthcare organizations for many years. However, this dominance has been challenged recently through patient involvement. One method of achieving patient involvement is experience-based co-design (EBCD), in which patients and healthcare professionals work together to improve care. Patient involvement has considerable potential, but also presents certain challenges. This article addresses these challenges using experiences from patients and healthcare professionals who participated in two action research (AR) projects that aimed to improve patient experienced quality using EBCD. The paper shows that patient involvement in quality improvements challenge the traditional roles of professionals and patients. The role as codesigner embraces new perspectives for healthcare professionals that force them to step out of their comfort zone. Accordingly, healthcare professionals are able to view patients as equal partners in improvement work. Reflecting dialogues offered eye-opening stories for patients and healthcare professionals that enabled them to construct a common picture of care. This study contributes to earlier research that argues that an AR approach can strengthen important values for EBCD projects. The findings show that the combination of EBCD and AR is a promising approach to address the challenges of patient involvement in healthcare improvement.
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| 12. |
- Hansson, Johan, et al.
(author)
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Action research for multi-level facilitation of improvement in health and social care : development of a change facilitation approach for a local R&D unit
- 2017
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In: Action Research. - London : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 15:4, s. 339-356
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper reports an action research program designed to develop new approaches for a locally based Swedish R&D unit’s task to facilitate improvement in partner organizations, and to provide guidance on how to manage challenges in action research programs focusing on development in health and social care. Data were gathered from interviews with R&D members’, managers representing the two embedded pilot cases, as well as from the lead action researchers. Key findings were the need to continually monitor and revise the action research plan and that each step should be given specific weights based on the conditions at hand. As the action program evolved the participants were given autonomy to take action in the partner organizations and the role of the action researchers became advisory and consultative. These findings accentuate the emergent nature of action research and the need for flexible and dynamic intervention planning, especially when multiple level actors and several organizations are involved. Based on these findings we discuss some implications for the action researcher’s role and how similar programs can be designed to manage change in complex health and social care systems reaching various stakeholders at many levels.
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| 13. |
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| 14. |
- Huzzard, Tony, et al.
(author)
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Constructing interorganizational collaboration The action researcher as boundary subject
- 2010
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 8:3, s. 293-314
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article aims to explore critically the role of an action research team in the social construction of interorganizational collaboration aimed at transgressing organizational and professional boundaries. We argue that the new relationships, actor conceptions and in some cases forms of work organization arising from the change process have been socially constructed through the discursive interventions of the researchers. This has largely occurred through informal interaction with and between the actors engaged in the development process. The action researcher, rather than being a neutral discursive gatekeeper in collaborative development projects, is an active constructor of the discourse shaping the collaboration. A case is presented showing how the researcher role is thus better seen as being an active boundary subject mediating across various professional and organizational perspectives rather than a passive boundary object. Accordingly, by focusing on the discursive role of active researchers as boundary subjects, we can reflect more critically on the roles we adopt in our intervention endeavours and their inevitably political nature.
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| 15. |
- James, Inger, 1953-, et al.
(author)
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Working together for a meaningful daily life for older persons : A participatory and appreciative action and reflection project—The lessons we learned
- 2015
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 13:4, s. 336-353
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This interdisciplinary action research project has its background in the Swedish government’s introduction of national guidelines to address deficiencies in elderly care, wherein it gave each municipality the responsibility to formulate its own guidelines. The main purpose is how we successfully involved stakeholders to create and agree on core values and local guarantees of dignity with regard to elderly care. This paper focuses on the choices we made that led to the politicians adopting the guidelines, and we discuss the lessons learned. This project is based on a participatory and appreciative action and reflection approach. We worked with stakeholders, including managers, politicians, older persons, relatives, nurse assistants, nurses, occupational therapists, and organizations for retired persons (n ∼ 386) in elderly care in three phases from 2010 to 2013. Firstly, we cocreated practical knowledge via interviews, focus group discussions, and participated in nurse assistants’ work. Secondly, we trained managers who formulated preliminary core values and guarantees of dignity. Thirdly, we returned to the stakeholders for a critical review. We learned it is possible to manage a project and involve stakeholders in an action research project by having access to scheduled meetings, providing training to managers, and using appreciative intelligence and technical aids.
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| 16. |
- Jernsand, Eva Maria, 1967
(author)
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Engagement as transformation: Learnings from a tourism development project in Dunga by Lake Victoria, Kenya
- 2017
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 15:1, s. 81-99
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Participatory tourism development projects are considered effective and democratic since they engage people in interactive learning processes that change individuals and societies. In order to be transformative, a relational and social process must be achieved, which challenges prior knowledge and beliefs. The purpose of this article is to explore engagement as a transformative feature of research and development practice. Three aspects of engagement are proposed through which higher learning loops and transformation can be enhanced: embodied and situated learning, relationship-building, and acknowledging and sharing power. These three aspects of engagement are explored through the case of developing an ecotourism site by Lake Victoria in Kenya.
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| 17. |
- Johansson, Anders W, et al.
(author)
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Emancipation or Workability? : Critical versus pragmatic scientific orientation in action research
- 2008
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publication. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 6:1, s. 95-115
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- In this article a distinction between a pragmatic and a critical orientation of action research is made. These orientations can be considered, implicitly or explicitly, to be the main alternatives in AR today. What are the assumptions behind, and practical implications for, AR projects with different orientations? A number of themes are introduced where a tension between the two are identified and illustrated in the form of a dialogue and friendly quarrel between proponents from each side. It is argued that the two orientations suit different research contexts and cannot easily be combined. The pragmatic orientation is well suited for contexts where concerted and immediate action is needed, whereas the critical is preferable where transformative action needs to be preceded by critical thinking and reflection. In the former, power to act is a desired outcome, and in the latter, unequal and invisible power relations need to be unveiled before they can be transformed. The responsibility of the researcher, as well as the form of knowledge developed, differs between the two orientations.
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| 18. |
- Kjellström, Sofia, 1970-, et al.
(author)
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Health and healthcare as the context for participatory action research
- 2019
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 17:4, s. 419-428
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Journal article (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Participatory action research (PAR) is a social, practical and collaborative process in which the building of relationships with participants is crucial. It has two distinct features, one is community based and driven to generate knowledge or understanding about what will bring about change; the other is its quality improvement cycle, whereby the actions, reactions, interventions and change are monitored, reviewed and adjusted according to the response. In practical terms, PAR methodology is carried out as a series of planning, acting, observing and evaluating cycles; in other words, reflection and reflexivity are inherent in the process. The challenges of engaging with PAR are to ensure that participants are encouraged to collaborate fully with the process and drive the process, power imbalances are discussed and the recognition that change and action may not always be possible. There are also challenges when studies are written up in a reflexive manner because being reflexive is not as straightforward as it seems. It involves deep introspection, as the researchers become aware of how their own agenda, experiences and motivation can contribute to interactions with participants and potentially influence the knowledge and actions created.This specially themed issue draws nine papers together to enrich our understanding of PAR and action-oriented research for transformations (Bradbury et al., 2019b). The aspiration in this presentation is to consider future directions in the domain of healthcare. In relation to the Action Research Journal’s vision, researchers should aim to develop Sustainable Development Goals when engaging in credible quality improvement projects that are monitored and adaptable in the relevant setting (Bradbury et al., 2019a). Our emphasis is therefore to concentrate more on reflexivity, transformation and the implications when developing future studies.
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| 19. |
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| 20. |
- Marquardt, Kristina, et al.
(author)
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Learning through feedback in the field Reflective learning in a NGO in the Peruvian Amazon
- 2010
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 8, s. 29-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The article discusses an action research project conducted in the Upper Amazon region of Peru that focused on the working approach of a NGO partner called PRADERA. In its land management projects PRADERA's working approach was characterized by a close collaboration with farmers. Its emphasis was on grasping the farmers' perspective on agriculture, targeting of local institutions in the villages as natural arenas for learning, and including topics in their analysis such as culture and worldview; this is analyzed through the framework of a reflective learning organization. The organization's capacity for learning is described as consisting of single-, double- and the possibility of triple-loop learning. During our collaboration with PRADERA, though we did not find established internal arrangements that could foster a triple-loop learning process, incipient signs were noted of space and potential which could favor deeper levels of learning. The importance of deeper levels of learning in the work of small highly action oriented NGOs such as PRADERA that act as a bridge between local farmers and the outside world, and how action research methodology can be a tool for developing reflectivity within such an organization, are discussed.
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| 21. |
- Nyman, Viola, 1961, et al.
(author)
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Insider Action research as an approach and a method – Exploring institutional encounters from within a birthing context
- 2016
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 14:2, s. 217-233
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this paper was to describe the first person perspective of being a peer midwife and a novice researcher initiating collaborative AR in her own organization to develop knowledge about the first encounters between the labouring woman and her care-givers in a hospital birthing context. It was motivated by the author’s longstanding professional clinical experience of observing and hearing parents’ stories of vulnerability and fear of childbirth, and how staff’s attitudes affected the childbirth experience negatively. Data were collected between 2010 and 2013 and included the researcher’s log with reflections from clinical work, as well as interviews, participant observation, and research group communications. A reflective interpretative lifeworld research approach was used to analyze the data. The experience of being a novice insider action researcher (IARr) consisted of three thematic meanings: “the struggle to initiate a clinical insider action research project,” “standing alone at the messy front line,” and “being a catalytic counterbalance to the prevailing medico technical focus.” The comprehensive understanding was “learning how to clinically reflect on and to voice the tacit components of care.” The strategy used in undertaking this study was influenced by the philosophies of both midwifery care and AR.
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| 22. |
- Olsson, Erik, 1977, et al.
(author)
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When one size does not fit all: Using participatory action research to co-create preventive healthcare services
- 2015
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1741-2617 .- 1476-7503. ; 13:1, s. 9-29
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Organized screening programs have proved effective at reducing cervical cancer inSweden by offering early detection of precancerous cells. However, participationrates vary across groups of women. The purpose of this paper is to explore howparticipatory action research contributes to (re)designing cervical cancer screeningprograms to better meet local residents’ needs and expectations. The paper examinesthe Pap smear testing barriers encountered by foreign-born women. It is also reportedhow different actors within the healthcare system as well as civil society can worktogether to address these barriers and improve healthcare services. Moreover, thepaper contributes to action research methodology by demonstrating how participatoryinquiries benefit from quantitative monitoring of improvement initiatives.
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| 23. |
- Rydenfält, Christofer, et al.
(author)
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An action-oriented method for interprofessional organization development at a hospital operating unit
- 2017
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 15:2, s. 177-197
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The complexity of modern interdisciplinary health care practices, where different specialties work together to solve complex problems, challenges traditional approaches to organizational development and quality improvement. An example of this is surgery. This article describes and evaluates an action-oriented method to facilitate organizational development and innovation at an operating unit, centered on interprofessional aspects of health care, a method that shares some features with action learning. At its core the method had a group with members from all specialties in an operating team, who participated in regular meetings facilitated by a process leader, according to experiential learning principles. The group was evaluated using mixed methods (including interaction process analysis (IPA)), of which video recorded group meetings and interviews constituted the main sources of data. Results showed that the group achieved a successful organizational change. Indications of the success of the group process were the low level of conflicts and the high level of task focus. Interprofessional boundaries appeared to be bridged as all members participated in formulation of both problems and solutions while not being afraid to voice different opinions. Problems could be attributed to lack of awareness of the group at the operating unit at which the intervention took place.
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| 24. |
- Sandberg, Fredrik, 1976-, et al.
(author)
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The interactive researcher as a virtual participant : A Habermasian interpretation
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:2, s. 194-212
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This article explores the role of the interactive researcher by drawing on Jürgen Habermas’s theory of communicative action to develop the concept of virtual participant. An ideal interactive research project is used to explore the issues faced by interactive researchers in three phases – initial, implementation and conclusion. In each phase, an interactive research project is used to demonstrate the issues that are discussed. First, this article argues that the concept of communicative rationality can be helpful in understanding how mutually trusting relationships between practitioners and researchers can be established at the beginning of a project. Second, it argues that the idea of taking a virtual stand on validity claims can be used during a project to engage a performative attitude and achieve mutual understanding with actors in the practice system. Third, this article argues that the concept of the virtual participant can explain how the interactive researcher can engage in performative action without becoming captive to the practice system. The concept of the virtual participant helps to enhance understanding of the complexity of the role of the interactive researcher.
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| 25. |
- Shen, C. -Y, et al.
(author)
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Action research in a problem avoiding culture using a Buddhist systems methodology
- 2015
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 13:2, s. 170-193
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Problem avoidance can be an issue in both Eastern and Western cultures, and in some Eastern contexts it can stem from the desire to promote organizational harmony: identifying problems can lead to blame, thereby fracturing harmonious relationships. The authors have developed and applied a Buddhist systems methodology (BSM) to counteract problem avoidance in Taiwanese Buddhist organizations. Unlike many Western action research approaches, which require participants to start by identifying problems or problematic situations, the BSM uses Buddhist concepts that are closely associated with the practice of harmonious living. Thus, it reframes problem exploration as the exercise of Buddhist discipline applied to organizational life, which is likely to be viewed as a co-operative and culturally valued endeavour. In a project with a large non-profit organization, the authors tackled a significant conflict and underlying issues. An evaluation of the project demonstrated that the BSM helped overcome the culture of problem avoidance. While the BSM itself might only be relevant to Buddhist organizations, there is a wider principle at work: when problem avoidance has cultural roots, action researchers could usefully look at how problem exploration might be reframed using a way of thinking that is culturally familiar and highly valued by the participants.
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| 26. |
- Smith, Frida, et al.
(author)
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Participatory design in education materials in a health care context
- 2017
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 15:3, s. 310-336
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Written patient education material, for example, discharge-information is commonly used in hospital settings. Despite following guidelines on how to best present text and using patients as consultants, improvements can still be made from a patient’s perspective. Here, we describe the process of developing patient education material using a participatory design methodology, with patients, clinicians, researchers and designers working as co-designers following a structured process map. The method emphasises coping with conflicting interests and using this as a source of development. The philosophies behind action research and person-centred care were combined in a practical setting, enhancing both perspectives and generating actionable knowledge to be further used in patient involvement projects. The results reveal that predominant areas of tensions focused on power, organization, content and clinical usability. This study is one of the first to involve patients as co-designers of education materials in the health care context, and not only as consultants. Working as co-designers was found to be productive and in line with person-centred care philosophy, with focus on partnership and equality. The results of this study can therefore benefit both patients and other relevant stakeholders in the healthcare system in developing written patient education materials.
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| 27. |
- Trollvik, Anne, et al.
(author)
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Childrens participation and experiential reflections using co-operative inquiry for developing a learning programme for children with asthma
- 2013
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In: Action Research. - : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 11:1, s. 31-51
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The aim of this article is to discuss methodological issues based on experiences involving the use of co-operative inquiry in a paediatric ward and to describe how the children’s own perspectives were taken into account. This project, which was conducted in Norway between 2004 and 2007, involved children, parents and health care professionals meeting in a mutual working process to apply a new pedagogic approach for children with asthma. Ninety individuals (children, parents, health care professionals, teachers and students) participated in the study that had a qualitative approach. The findings indicate that the adults considered the child perspectives throughout the project, while the children’s own perspectives were taken into account during the period of intervention. The children participated actively, which can support empowerment processes. Health care professionals and researchers responded to the children’s views using communication and research techniques adapted to the children’s age, development and sensitivity. Critical choices related to the project were made because of recruitment challenges involving children and families. Children between 7 and 10 years of age are competent actors who can be involved in research and thus represent activated sources of knowledge. Bringing about change requires endurance and a long-term perspective.
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| 28. |
- Zhang, Zheng, et al.
(author)
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Our way(s) to action research : Doctoral students’ international and interdisciplinary collective memory work
- 2014
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In: Action Research. - London, UK : SAGE Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617 .- 0264-5122. ; 12:3, s. 293-314
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This study involved six Swedish and Canadian doctoral students who shared interests in using action research in professional education in different disciplines. We employed Noffke’s three dimensions of action research as a theoretical framework (i.e., the Professional, the Personal, and the Political). Using collective biography as a methodology, we cooperatively examined how our personal and professional agendas and macro-level structures have been shaping our intentions to conduct action research projects in our respective disciplines. The key findings of this international and interdisciplinary collective biography relate our growing awareness of the intimacy between research and life in vari- ous professional and geographic contexts. Collectively addressing our shared frustrations, we celebrated action research as a methodology that attends to the dynamic and concrete lived experiences of our participants in various spatio-temporalities. Reflecting upon the hybridity of our own researcher identities, we were also able to see the intimate relation between ourselves as active citizens and critical action researchers who are determined to take up the challenges and engage in critically oriented action research that could nurture more ‘‘caring,’’ ‘‘empowering,’’ and ‘‘transforming’’ public spheres.
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| 29. |
- Zimmerman Nilsson, Marie-Helene, 1967-, et al.
(author)
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Tensions in communication Teachers and academic facilitators in a critical friendship
- 2018
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In: Action Research. - London : Sage Publications. - 1476-7503 .- 1741-2617. ; 16:1, s. 7-24
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- This paper concerns the complex relationships between external facilitators and teachers in action research, as they work in a critical friendship to develop interaction in specific ways that open up rather than shut down communication and learning. The aim is to contribute with knowledge about interpersonal communication between academic facilitators and teachers in a development process where the teachers had a lack of influence in the initial phase of the project. The findings reveal that communication in a context of incompatible positions and professional distance did not lead to further communication, whereas communication in a context of confidence, mutual reliance, and challenge opened up possibilities for further dialogue. We identified three aspects affecting communication: absence of ownership of specific problems, trust without relationship, and courage before trust. Implication for the action research community is the importance of making strategies for critical friendship explicit. This assists for teachers to internalize the role.
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