Lesley Wood Action Research

Participatory Action Learning and Action Research offers a concise yet comprehensive explanation of the theory, practice and process of this emerging paradigm, methodology and theory of learning. PALAR is a transformative, collaborative and democratic process for resolving complex problems within the context of sustainable professional, organisational and community development.
of action learning. The book draws on real-life examples from socially and economically challenged contexts, and features critical reflections on the strengths and challenges of this evolving methodology in relation to the increased interest in community engagement and project-based learning among institutions of higher education.
Analysing theory in the context of sustainable professional, organisational and community development, this book:
• Provides a comprehensive, research-based ‘manual‘ on the use of PALAR within actual research projects
• Explains a means of engaging in research that promotes the mobilisation of human potential relevant in a rapidy changing society
• Addresses the challenges of doing participatory research within institutions
• Provides applied, specific examples of how PALAR can be adapted for use in socially and economically challenged contexts, typical of developing economies
• Offers critical reflections by researchers and community participants on the challenges and uses of PALAR

Innovative, and offering clarity on ethics and research questions, Participatory Action Learning and Action Research will be of interest to both emerging and experienced researchers looking to bring about change at personal, professional, organisational or community level.

This book deepens understanding and contributes to new knowledge about the theory, practice and processes of Action Learning (AL) and Action Research (AR). It clarifies what constitutes AL/AR in its many forms and what it is not. Today AL and AR gain popularity worldwide because they enable participants to (1) effectively approach increasingly complex, global challenges confronting humankind in this twenty-first century; (2) collectively achieve practical, emancipatory and sustainable outcomes; and (3) generate relevant authentic theory that has real meaning for those involved.
This book is the first to provide comprehensive overview of the main genres and approaches of AL/AR. Most authors are internationally renowned experts in their field, some writing here with their associates. They explain the genre of their expertise, reflect on their rich experiences with it, and consider both the common features shared across the AL/AR paradigm and what is distinctive about the particular genre they overview. They discuss the what, why and how of their particular approach, including potential challenges and ideas on how to overcome them.
This book deepens understanding and contributes to new knowledge about the theory, practice and processes of Action Learning (AL) and Action Research (AR). It clarifies what constitutes AL/AR in its many forms and what it is not. Today AL and AR gain popularity worldwide because they enable participants to (1) effectively approach increasingly complex, global challenges confronting humankind in this twenty-first century; (2) collectively achieve practical, emancipatory and sustainable outcomes; and (3) generate relevant authentic theory that has real meaning for those involved.
This book is the first to provide comprehensive overview of the main genres and approaches of AL/AR. Most authors are internationally renowned experts in their field, some writing here with their associates. They explain the genre of their expertise, reflect on their rich experiences with it, and consider both the common features shared across the AL/AR paradigm and what is distinctive about the particular genre they overview. They discuss the what, why and how of their particular approach, including potential challenges and ideas on how to overcome them.