Blending Theory and Practice

One challenge in action research is helping students value their own ability to develop theory and to understand the theories that have evolved through others' research.  Neither should overshadow the other.  However, developing a strong theoretical orientation takes time, and often more time than is part of the action research process.  So what strategies do instructors use to help pull students into the power of thinking with others, and the power to create powerful understandings that lead to their own living theories (Whitehead 1989, 1993; McNiff &Whitehead,  2010).  How do they develop the spirit of praxis so that their actions are informed by their theoretical stance (Freire, 1970)? 

In this section, we shared teaching strategies, theoretical frameworks, online resources, and other tools to help teachers of action research develop connections between theory and practice.  Members of the Learning circle added ideas, activities, resources, and strategies they used to help students develop an interest in theory and theoretical discussions. 

              These are shared in Teaching Ideas for Supporting Theory and Practice. 

If you want to have your ideas included here, send a note on our Facebook group- https://www.facebook.com/groups/actionresearchtutorials/

We will also be posting topics in our blog, Teaching Action Research and we hope you will share your ideas linked to our postings.