The course will introduce the historical background and development of action research and practice research, including participatory action research (PAR) and participatory practice research (PPR). In addition, research traditions, theories and methodological issues across a variety of disciplines are examined. The course is a colaboration between VID and OsloMet and arranged bi-annually between the partners.
- Undervisningsspråk
- Engelsk
- Studiepoeng
- 5
- Studielengde
- Ett semester
- Støttes av lånekassen
- Nei
- Oppstart
- Vår
- Opptakskrav og poeng
- Se kravene
The course introduces the historical background and development of action research and practice research (including participatory action research, PAR, and participatory practice research, PPR). Research traditions, theories, and methodological issues across various social and human sciences disciplines and professions are examined. The course covers theories of science suited for positioning the epistemological and ontological grounding of action and practice research. Important questions include the following: What are the characteristics of action research and practice research? Which view of knowledge builds the foundation for these research approaches? What possibilities for developing knowledge exist within different action and practice research traditions? What is the potential for carrying out innovative research?
The course includes knowledge on applying these research approaches in designing and developing the student’s research projects. How to design an action or practice research project that is manageable within the resources of a PhD project is given special attention. Ethical challenges are highlighted and critically reflected on, such as power relations between researchers and other actors, anonymity and confidentiality, and conflicts in the collaboration.
Admission requirements
The course is open to
- PhD students who are enrolled in one of VID’s PhD programmes. PhD students at VID must register for the course in Studentweb.
- PhD students from other institutions. PhD students from other institutions must apply by sending an email to SDP-PHD-support@vid.no
- PhD students from other institutions must submit written documentation of their enrollment together with the application. External applicants will receive notification about whether they are admitted to the course within one week from the application deadline.
- Members of academic staff with an ongoing research project on PhD level with the goal of qualifying for senior lectureship.
Main subjects
Main Subjects
- Action Research
- Practice Research
- Participatory Action Research
- Epistemological and methodological issues
Learning outcomes
Completing the course will give the students the following learning outcome, sectioned into knowledge, skills and general competence.
Knowledge
The student
- Has in-depth knowledge of the theories of science relating to action research and practice research
- Has in-depth knowledge of the theoretical and methodological perspectives that form the basis for action research and practice research, including advanced knowledge about co-production and research with other stakeholders
- Can evaluate the expediency and application of methods and research processes within participatory research
- Has in-depth knowledge about research ethics significant for processes within action research and practice research
- Cas advanced knowledge about how action research and practice research can contribute to the development of innovative knowledge and methods
Skills
The student
- Can analyse and reflect critically on epistemological and methodological issues in action research and practice research
- Can plan and carry out action research and practice research projects of high standard
- Can handle complex academic issues related to knowledge production and research ethics
- Can challenge established knowledge and practice in the field
General competence
The Student
- Can identify relevant and innovative research questions for action research and practice research
- Can identify relevant ethical issues within participatory research to carry out his/her research with scholarly integrity
- Can initiate and manage complex research projects based on collaboration with different stakeholders
- Can communicate the research to stakeholders and academic debates through recognized channels, both national and international
Work and teaching methods
- The course is based on lectures, self-study, and study groups/group work.
- Participants will be asked to give presentations of their projects and their experiences from action research and practice research. The presentations will form the basis for discussions where active participation will be expected, both in presenting one's ideas and providing feedback on the ideas of others. The presentations must be put into writing (1-2 pages) and distributed to the teachers and other course participants by the stipulated deadline.
Time and place
Compulsory activities
- Course attendance (80%) in lectures and group sessions (15 hours).
- Present preliminary paper (1-2 pages) and deliver paper for assessment.
Pre-course reading:
It is expected that the participants are familiar with relevant literature before the course starts.
Download Reading List PHD-DVP 952 Spring 2024.
Pre-course paper
The participants must submit a presentation of their projects, their experiences from action research and practice research. The presentation will form the basis for discussion where active participation will be expected, both in presenting one’s ideas and providing feedback on the ideas of others. The presentations must be written (1-2 pages) and submitted to the coordinators by April 26th, 2024. The presentations will be accessible for other students on Canvas.
Assessment
Form of Assessment | Duration | Grade |
Paper | Eight weeks | Pass/Fail |
Submission of an essay. The word limit of the essay is 2000 +/- 10 % words.
Deadline for submission of essay: August 29th, 2024, in Inspera Assessment. The essay must fulfil source reference and quotation technique requirements. If the essay is awarded a fail grade, the candidate can submit a revised essay once, by a specific date.
More information about Inspera Assessment is found in the course pages at Canvas.
Satisfactory course attendance (minimum 80 %), project presentation and approved essay are necessary to obtain the 5 ECTS.
Additional Information about assessment
Candidates must write a paper of 2000 words +/- 10%.
The paper for assessment must be handed in on a digital platform by a specified date. The paper must fulfilling source reference and quotation technique requirements. A passed paper is a precondition for being awarded the 5 ECTS credits. If the paper is awarded a failing grade, the candidate can submit a revised paper once by a specified deadline.
