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begins w/ a brief introduction to appreciative inquiry (Ai)...Calls for evaluation of the process are acknowledged, as are the few evaluations/critiques of Ai we have found in literature. discuss how critical theory may be applied to an evaluation of appreciative inquiry bridging an apparent paradox between the negativity associated with the former and the positive focus of the latter. An initial application of Critical Appreciative Process (CAP) is described to illustrate how the integrated use of appreciative inquiry and critical theory deepens insight and recognition of the complexity in human endeavours.

This interactive site provides a wealth of information on the research that is being conducted on young people and their civic engagement.

This site provides provides a multicultural lens through which to view action research. There are numerous resources for teachers who want to incorporate social justice within their curriculum.

The Communications Director of Pepsi co discusses the marketing campaign Pepsi Refresh, wherein the public is encouraged to come up with new ideas to "refresh" some part of their world, and with the votes of the public, potentially win grant money to fund that idea. It is both a great marketing tool for Pepsi, and a great way to get the public to be creative. I have come across the Pepsi Refresh project in my research, because there are some ideas from the public that include finding ways to incorporate play into people's lives. I think that this project is a great way to have people think about the change that they want to make in the world, and create a proposal for it that is compelling enough to get others to vote for them and make it happen. With the added incentive of possible grant money, people can think freely without the worry of "how could I actually make this happen financially?"

Over 12 million people have viewed this 20 minute video--check it out! There is also an interesting piece in the LA Times about this video http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-story-of-stuff-20100713,0,2775603,full.story

This is an interesting initiative of a local business executive-turned-sculptor. I love that he not only found the courage to explore a creative avenue that he had never practiced in the past, but that he also seeks to help others do the same. I would be interested to read his book in which 100 people are interviewed regarding their significant life changes, and found it inspiring that there is actually a group in Needham that explores these ideas, called Discovering What's Next. What a great idea!

Thanks for posting this- I agree, it's impressive! Many adults are really afraid of art and afraid of exploring creativity. Not this guy, obviously!

Douglas Rushkoff makes some interesting points about how we are living our lives in the digital age. He reminds us that although the internet, social media, smart phones, etc. all seem as ubiquitous as gravity, they are human constructs. In this clip and accompanying text, Rushkoff makes the case for ten "commandments" to remain human in a digital age.

This YouTube clip shows a talk given by Sir Ken Robinson on how we need to revolutionize our educational systems. It resonates with what Myles Horton said in his interview about "molding" vs. "liberating." Schools have been about preparing students to become productive members in an industrial based society. Like Horton, Robinson argues that we need to break free of that model. Robinson also has a couple of good talks on Ted.com related to education. Some of us watched his talk on how schools kill creativity when we took Creative Thinking.

"Greenwood, D. J. and M. Levin (1998). Introduction To Action Research: Social Research For Social Change. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. (pp. 187-202)"