Shining light on the dark side of action research: Power, relationality and transformation
We know that ART has a ‘dark side’. ARJ Associate Editors Koen Bartels and Victor Friedman have written an editorial for the latest issue of ARJ about precisely that! Koen and Victor explain: “ART is a complex and demanding process. It demands relational, conceptual and experimental skills not usually taught together in conventional educational programs. […]
Read More...Co-creativity as small cultivators by Máille Faughnan
Blog by Dr. Máille Faughnan of Tulane U. The coLAB I write about was an invitation to practice with co-creativity through an ecological lens. We began with choosing a plant companion to share our learning journey. I chose the string of pearls in the photo. The facilitators also shared Suzanne Simard’s research as inspiration, drawing […]
Read More...Participatory action research with Aboriginal Elders: Ngulluk Koolunga Ngulluk Koort project
Collaborative, relational, participatory and reflexive research is not straightforward or easily achieved and this paper is insightful for its reflections on the challenges we experienced. It does not shy away from detailing some of the frustrations and misunderstandings experienced by the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal project members. Ultimately however, we would argue that non-Aboriginal researchers must expect a level of discomfort if they are committed to transformative practices that support Aboriginal peoples’ self-determination. Â
Read More...Youth-led community-based research: working in and on conflict in Haiti
Blog Post by Reina C Neufeldt The idea that research can be practical, involve community members as knowledge co-creators, and help a community transform its conflict sounds fantastic. As someone who has studied, worked on and taught conflict resolution and peacebuilding for many years, it sounds ideal – there was a reason that key conflict […]
Read More...Correctional officers as participants: Action research in prisons
Prisons are complex institutions with hierarchies of power. They are social systems that demand a research approach suited to their social structure. Custodial Correctional Officers play an integral role in these social systems and although they are perceived to have power over prisoners, they too are subject to controls and in some instances have minimal […]
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