Home economics and action research are linked by similar purposes and past practices. Participatory action research and reflective practice can contribute to the mission of home economics, and theorizing about and from practice are enhanced through such methods. (JOW)

Argues that applied linguistics should take as its central focus the concept of "language in the world." Emphasizes that it is necessary to examine the autonomy or interdependence of linguistic, cognitive, and social processes and to define research questions addressing the connection of these processes in an interdisciplinary fashion. (17…

Presents a call to action from the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education for collaborative action research to advance the field. Notes that the rationale for the effort includes the emergence of the societal trend of cultural creatives and heightened awareness of social issues post-September 11. (SK)

Explains why definition of action research is problematic and presents working definitions developed internationally that indicate its nature, philosophy, and methodology. Suggests that pragmatic approaches to definition serve communication purposes without narrowly confining the concept. (SK)

Provides a description of action research, shares examples from adult literacy education, and suggests implications for the practice of continuing professional education. (JOW)

Presents the findings of a focus group research project with battered women in Tokyo, Japan. Participants' narratives of their experience suggest a web of entrapment, from which women saw little possibility of escape. The article discusses implications for social work practice and research with immigrant battered women, those from Japan in…

Presents the Educational Management Action Research model, which is intended to support action research into issues relating to the management of distance learning programs. Describes its successful use in a particular information technology course. (EV)

A participatory action research project (a minieconomy) raised the following issues: unpredictability of outcomes, degree of control over the agenda, understanding of what is meant by "research," and the struggle to engage in systematic reflection during the experience. (SK)

Several action research projects for women's literacy in India demonstrated the importance of developing learners' planning skills, recognizing that learning is spiral and not linear, understanding the complexities of empowerment, and educating for change. (SK)

Describes a residential school environmental education program that helps students take environmental action in their schools and communities. Uses the 5R approach (Recognition-Research-Resolution-Responsibility-Revision) to action planning. Programs benefit from staff members taking the perspective of reflective practioners. (KS)

Outlines what research is, and what action research is. Describes the steps, evolution, and benefits of action research. Argues that action research is a viable and sound research strategy and an invaluable asset to solve real problems and lead to school-wide improvement. (SR)

An action learning process in which medical directors planned and reflected on their own actions worked best when specific, time-limited actions were involved. Despite overlap between action research and action learning, they are clearly different. Action learning helps clinicians gain insights into their own work behavior. (SK)

Reviews the four basic principles of an ethical framework as outlined by the Code of Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans in light of the requirements of a participatory action research approach. Discusses the ethics of participatory action research in regard to care and concern. Argues that the ethics of morality and justice are…

An action research method using an action-reflection spiral of development and implementation was used to create a system for accrediting prior learning in nursing education. Key stages of the system are information, advice and guidance, preparation of the claim, and assessment. (SK)