Different approaches to Action Research

An overview of Action Research, which also offers some different definitions.

This article looks at several different approaches to Action Research.

I thought this article highlights some of the ideas from Action Research about improving practice.

This reminded me of discussions we had in the Research Practices class about how to use notebooks to capture ideas, and I thought it might be useful to folks. "Why I Keep an Idea Notebook October 26, 2010, 8:00 am By Natalie Houston The simple practice of keeping an idea notebook has been absolutely essential to my research and writing over the years, and it's something I often recommend to thesis students and others who are starting a large complex project. I designate a small spiral notebook as my idea catcher. It's not for writing notes from texts or critical sources that I'm using, or for writing formal drafts. Instead, it's for capturing my own ideas, which sometimes can seem elusive at certain stages of the writing process. I teach students several forms for distinguishing their own ideas from those of others in the note-taking process (such as writing a precis or using Cornell-style notes), and I use similar strategies myself. But the idea notebook is for those ideas that occur to you at odd moments of the day - usually when you're not at your desk. Of course, your cell phone, smartphone, netbook, tablet, or other mobile device undoubtedly has one or more notepad or notetaking functions. You could also use Evernote to create an always-with-you "notebook." But personally, I find that that the analog notebook works better for me for this purpose, both for quickly capturing my thoughts (I can scribble faster than I can Swype) and for skimming through old entries. Some specific ways I use my idea notebook include: * Jotting down questions, thoughts, and ideas that relate to my current research or possible future projects. I typically get better ideas while I'm cooking or exercising than I do when I sit down at my desk to think about something. * Noting problems, questions, and doubts I have during the research process. Often I find my way to a solution while writing about the problem in just a few minutes. It's also helpful

This is an interesting podcast about a program that engages veterans in art.  After seeing Michael's presentation I thought I'd share it with the class. Wounded Warriors and Art Tuesday, October 26 2010 | Send to a friend WOUNDED WARRIORS AND ART Ivan Pineiro and Craig Bone  <s Paintings here. Learn more about the Art from the Heart program.

This podcast takes a broad view about what it means to pursue happiness, starting with the American context and then the challenges and benefits of the imagination. I think the concepts, especially in the second part, apply well to the concept of trying to make a positive change, and, for my project, the role of reflection in the process.

Although this podcast is about how to be a good teacher, it features some interesting thoughts about reflection and supportive learning communities when trying to improve your professional skills, in this case education.

Although this podcast is about how to be a good teacher, it features some interesting thoughts about reflection and supportive learning communities when trying to improve your professional skills, in this case education.