Conference proceeding
Uncover the hidden imperative of communicative spaces: Negotiating uncomfortable truths through action research
CARN-ALARA Conference (Split, Croatia, 17/10/2019 - 19/10/2019)
2019
Metrics
28 Record Views
Abstract
Critical action research is a praxis-oriented professional learning practice. Such practice requires a move beyond viewing action research as simply a technical or practical method for teacher development; instead, it strives for research that is critical and participatory. When action research is reduced to a technicist process for professional learning, there is a tendency for valorising reported findings so seemingly ‘celebratory’ stories emerges. Yet the process of changing practices is complex and challenging. Often the realities of learning and change means that communicative spaces in action research are spaces for contestation and negotiation, where uncomfortable truths are shared, examined and sometimes silenced. Uncovering these aspects of the change endeavour is a necessary part of addressing and reporting the realities of practitioners’ experiences and outcomes in action research taken up in this symposium. We propose that this is an imperative for safe-guarding the future uptake of action research among the professions.
Drawing on cross-sectoral action research projects in Australia, New Zealand and Sweden, this collection of papers examines the conditions that enable and constrain communicative spaces as ‘sites’ for praxis. In doing so we expose uncomfortable truths about communicative spaces in critical action research, whilst also examining distinctive conditions which act as mechanisms for sustaining practice and praxis development. Papers reveal ways praxis, as morally committed action, forms a fundamental condition for uncovering uncomfortable truths often ignored. We argue that preserving criticality in action research demands negotiating contested ideologies and practices, and ultimately legitimises the dialogic in, and for, professional learning. We conclude with this provocation for discussion: Is critical action research ‘at risk’ of appropriation by technical interests and aims that oft ignores taken-for-granted knowledges, values and practices of the professions and the messiness of change?
Details
- Title
- Uncover the hidden imperative of communicative spaces: Negotiating uncomfortable truths through action research
- Creators
- Tess Boyle - Southern Cross UniversityKirsten Petrie - University of WaikatoKarin Rönnerman - University of GothenburgChristine Edwards-Groves - Charles Sturt UniversityPeter Grootenboer - Griffith University
- Conference
- CARN-ALARA Conference (Split, Croatia, 17/10/2019 - 19/10/2019)
- Identifiers
- 991012903599902368
- Academic Unit
- School of Arts and Social Sciences; Centre for Children and Young People
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference proceeding