Participatory Action Research is - by it's nature - an organic process which emerges out of collaboration between a range of participants. In this sense, to set out a firm plan for this project at this point would be inappropriate.
On the other hand, we recognise that it's hard to sign-up to or support something if you have no idea what might be involved.
With this in mind, the below is a framework and timeline for this project, which we will regularly adapt, and transform as the process unfolds, depending on how certain stages and actions progress. One of our ongoing tasks as more people are coming on board, is to re-design this framework to fit our collective needs and interests.
*Where we're at: Research is currently underway using some of the methods below, with more being suggested/devised, but it's not too late to get involved! Scroll down to the bottom of this page to link to ways of getting involved.
Research processes and methods we are using or intend to carry-out:
Webinars/online discussions
These link specifically to research theme 2 (challenges and opportunities), and are held (approximately) every 6 to 8 weeks. We aim to link in resources to the discussions, as well as providing a space for continued discussion on this theme and related topics. So-far two webinars have already taken place.
Map of practice (current and past)
This links to research theme 1 (what exists and where are the gaps). Ideally, we would like this to be both online and a physical artefact, with information around what/who/how/where. We hope people in different parts of the country will contribute to this process so that we gather a detailed and contextual picture of what’s happening where and with whom.
Theory and Practice Reading groups
A research process with a focus on action, this links to research theme 2 (challenges and opportunities), though may also draw on theme 3 (what we need). The group of collaborators, based in Edinburgh, have already begun and looked at the relationship between ideology and popular education for their first session (drawing on Liam Kane's work). The next text they are looking at is In, Against and Beyond Capitalism, by John Holloway
Postcards from practice
This will link to research theme 2 (challenges and opportunities) and 3 (what's needed). Linking pop-up event and meme quilt ideas, CAMINA members will attend events and visit groups of educators across Scotland. We will invite folk to create visual post-cards which respond to one of the research questions (primarily contained in theme 2). We will then ask participants to write their post-card to another educator, sharing something useful they have learned from practice or something they hope for.
Invitations to walk
This will link to all three research themes, but particularly theme 3. A more interesting take on interviews, drawing on the meaning of 'camina' (an invitation to walk). CAMINA collaborators will invite participants (other educators or community members) to walk with them in their community and talk through one of the themes in relation to their own context and ideas. Conversations will be audio-recorded where possible and photographs may also enhance this process.
Community Workshops
This will link to research theme 3 (what's needed). We would like to deliver a series of workshops in the community which bring educators (and community members) together to explore what is needed to support more effective, sustainable and transformative practice. These workshops will be delivered by educators across Scotland and will hopefully employ a range of creative methods which adhere to the principles of critical education. E.g., Forum Theatre.
Developing a critical education toolkit
More of an action than a research process (though certainly feeds both), this will link to theme 1 and theme 3 (what exists and what is needed). Could we draw our knowledge/experience and ideas together to compile a comprehensive toolkit for critical educators in Scotland? What would this include? Do similar things exist already? How can we make it as accessible and useful as possible?
Timeline:
STAGE 1 [September 2016]
Initial gatherings took place to: · meet those involved/interested in being involved · provide the opportunity for questions/clarification · establish living research questions and research plan · establish levels of commitment and lines of communication and collaboration for ongoing process
STAGE 2 [October 2016... ongoing/underway]
Ongoing PAR process to: · inquire into agreed questions both individually (as appropriate to context and capacity) and collaboratively* This involves carrying out interviews/running group conversations/ using theatre/ mapping and observing practice/ reading literature/producing media...the list goes on. We want our research methods to reflect the critical and creative nature of critical education.
· take forward set tasks/actions relevant to the issues individually (as appropriate to capacity and context) and collaboratively* (eg. development of workshops / media production/ organising)
· Publish/share some of the insights/ideas coming out of the research on an ongoing basis
*Collaborative research and action is largely happening online to allow participation across Scotland, and will serve as opportunities to touch base and share findings with other researchers, define next steps, as well as jointly decide what we share/publish on our public site.
STAGE 3 [June 2017]
Gatherings to: · feedback and share individual & collective learning so-far · review the living research questions/themes and research plan · initiate planning to deliver summer 'festival' of events/workshops + community conversations · discuss any other actions which have been identified alongside the above
STAGE 4 [July to... 2017]
Action Research and planning processes to: · plan summer 'festival' of events/workshops + follow-up community conversations · take forward other actions identified · Continue to undertake research/publish learning around process
STAGE 5 [TBC]
'Critical Education 'Festival'*: Delivery of a series of events, workshops, forums or 'community conversations', and activities around (and utilising the methodologies of) critical education practice, which will: · provide opportunities to share ideas and create dialogue on matters of importance to communities · allow practitioners to build networks · provide spaces for learning and creativity; · foster communality and reflection
* We envisage this being open and accessible to a wide range of practitioners (from activists to volunteers to professionals) and community members, and will endeavour to limit barriers to participation (i.e. financial/childcare, etc).
Interested?
If the above sounds like something you'd like to be part of, check out how you can get involved...