Theoretical Thoughts – My Study

“Getting the Green Light: The Transformative Power of Participatory Action-Research with Students as Researchers

1. Transformative potential in PAR

2. I was curious about:

• What was being transformed?
• Under what conditions did transformation occur?

3. How does one conduct research about research?
• Reflection notes on dialogues
• Transcripts from video and audio tapes
• Daily journal
• Collected memories

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• Wrote narratives

4. Methodology

Mapped out “trigger events” that came to represent critical shifts or pivotal moments that challenged initial beliefs and/or values.

5. Findings

Under what conditions does transformation occur?

Conditions

§ 4 (voice + reflection + dialogue + action)

Cycle

§ Start with values, preconceived notions

§ As you enter into participatory action-research activities

§ And exercise voice + reflection + dialogue + action

§ Then there exists a potential to change initial starting point

What was being transformed?

PAR Transforms

• Notions of authority (real vs. false)
• Traditional roles of teacher and student
• Educational Timeline (skills/tools) (time to teach critical issues or complicated themes)
• Perceptions of student potential (assets vs. deficits)