Action Research – Building Momentum for Continuous Action
A blog inspired by: Social impact and the justification of action research knowledge, Bjorn Gustavsen (2014)
Similar to Newton’s Cradle, Action Research is continuous cycle of momentum, energy, and action. This article is a must read for any researcher trying to initiate action and change. You, the Action Researcher, are an agent of change. In Social impact and the justification of action research knowledge, Bjorn Gustavsen (2014) helps you connect action research to a broader perspective through participative constructivism. Participative constructivism is the use of a broad innovation system to engage participants working towards a common framework in order to enact change. Working towards a common framework allows the participants to work together without having a direct relationship.
I was able to apply the concept of participative constructivism to my personal research topic of establishing a cybersecurity education framework in school systems. I cannot expect to change every school system by myself, but I hope to build an innovation system where all school systems believe in my theory that we need to establish a cybersecurity education framework. As more school systems buy into this theory, we will construct the framework together. We start building this framework with conversations and dialogue necessary for all participants to play a role in creation process. Through these conversations, we build relationships, and through these relationships we construct shared knowledge. This process is the essence of participative constructivism.
Applying the concept of participative constructivism will help you convert an individual idea into an innovation system by appealing to a broader audience with a common goal. This innovation system includes the many participants needed to build the momentum necessary for action and change.
Action research may occasionally start with one change agent, but can result in a continuous cycle of momentum, energy and action. You are that change agent who can start this motion through participative constructivism. How will you convert your idea into an innovation system for all?
LeWayne Ballard is a Director of Information Security for a national law firm. He is utilizing his professional experience, industry certifications (CISM, CISSP, PMP), and academic research in order to establish a cybersecurity education framework for school systems. This framework is necessary to help protect children against the risks of the internet.
Latest posts by LeWayne Ballard (see all)
- Action Research – Building Momentum for Continuous Action - January 1, 2017