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Canadian Association of Action Research in Education (CAARE) - Association Canadienne de la Recherche-Action en Éducation (ACRAÉ)
Canadian Association of Action Research in Education (CAARE) - Association Canadienne de la Recherche-Action en Éducation (ACRAÉ)
CAARE-ACRAÉ was founded with a tri-fold purpose, outlined in its constitution:
To provide a research and discussion forum for all members of the Canadian Society for the Study of Education (CSSE) who are interested in examining and promoting Action Research in the area of education (especially teacher education).
To encourage the dissemination and mobilization of knowledge in the area of Action Research in education, teacher education and related areas.
To promote collaboration between Canadian researchers working in the field of Action Research at the local, national and international levels in the field of education and teacher education.
What is Action Research?
What is Action Research?
The term “action research” was first coined by Kurt Lewin in 1946, to describe “research on the conditions and effects of various forms of social action, and research leading to social action” (p. 35). Since then, action research has come to encompass a wide array of practices, methodologies and orientations. Reason & Bradbury (2008) offer the following, umbrella definition:
action research is a participatory process concerned with developing practical knowing in the pursuit of worthwhile human purposes. It seeks to bring together action and reflection, theory and practice, in participation with others, in the pursuit of practical solutions to issues of pressing concern to people, and more generally the flourishing of individual persons and their communities. (p. 4)
According to them, action research:
👣 is a set of practices that responds to people’s desire to act creatively in the face of practical and often pressing issues in their lives in organizations and communities;
🤝 calls for engagement with people in collaborative relationships, opening new ‘communicative spaces’ in which dialogue and development can flourish;
🔀 draws on many ways of knowing, both in the evidence that is generated in inquiry and its expression in diverse forms of presentation as we share learning with wider audiences;
❤️ is values oriented, seeking to address issues of significance concerning the flourishing of human persons, their communities, and the wider ecology in which we participate;
🌱 is a living, emergent process that cannot be predetermined but changes and develops as those engaged deepen their understanding of the issues to be addressed and develop their capacity as co-inquirers both individually and collectively.
In The Future of Action Research in Education: A Canadian Perspective, Clausen and Black (2020) situate action research within the educational context more specifically this way:
Action research has long been a method used in the field of education by teachers and related stakeholders to solve immediate problems, reflect on the situation, and improve their practice. It has promoted the local construction of knowledge, empowering educators to engage in communities of practice. In doing so, this method has also proved to be both an effective research tool while at the same time acting as a meaningful instrument of teacher education and professional development. (p. 3)
At CAARE, we embrace action research in education in all of its forms. We are always happy to support anyone interested in pursuing action research, sharing findings, facilitating communities of inquiry, or simply learning more. If you are interested in engaging further, please do not hesitate to reach out!
References
Lewin, K. (1946). Action research and minority problems. The Journal of Social Issues, 2(4), 34–46.
Clausen, K. W., & Black, G. (2020). The Future of Action Research in Education: A Canadian Perspective. McGill-Queen’s Press - MQUP.
Reason, P., & Bradbury, H. (2008). The SAGE Handbook of Action Research Participative Inquiry and Practice (2nd ed.). Sage London.
How can I get involved?
How can I get involved?
We love making new connections! The easiest way to get involved is to send us your email through our community membership form. We would love to hear from you, and someone will reach out as soon as we are able.
In the meantime, if you have any questions about CAARE-ACRAE, simply send them along using our simple contact us form. Again, we will respond as soon as we can!
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