The participatory action research (PAR) process discussed in the text represents the next evolutionary stage for action research and practitioner research in education. Authors E. Alana James, Margaret T. Milenkiewicz, and Alan Bucknam provide a readable overview of the PAR process similar to professional learning communities in schools. This fresh approach to participatory action research fully integrates process with research methodology. The results of the original PAR study and continued work with educational leaders propose that this “And/Both” approach ultimately produces the effect that school leaders seek and appreciate.
Key Features
- Guides the reader through the PAR steps with a graphically illustrated process: The book′s design reaches out to visual learners with graphic elements while employing a research logic model that helps ensure rigorous research methodology.
- Provides reflective questions preceding each section: The questions increase the reflective practices and routines of the reader as appropriate to the PAR process.
- Presents real-world examples: Practitioner stories make the lessons real and alleviate the emotional unease that comes from tackling research practices for the first time.
- Offers tasks for working both in teams and as individuals: These tools aid participatory teams in working toward consensus and strong research designs.
