This paper describes development of a study that includes participatory action research, specifically the establishment of a family advisory committee. The study involved a survey of Massachusetts families of children with disabilities. Suggestions for establishing and integrating the committee into the research enterprise are offered, as are…

Explores the theoretical strands being combined in community-based research--charity service learning, social justice service learning, action research, and participatory research. Shows how different models of community-based research, based in different theories of society and different approaches to community work, may combine or conflict. (EV)

Two collaborative inquiry groups share their processes and findings, such as coresearchers' lived experience is equal in importance to formally collected data; knowledge created in the group belongs to the group; and coresearchers must be equal in contribution and commitment. (SK)

This article explores methodological issues arising from a research project that involved six people with learning difficulties in researching aspects of their own lives. These included how participants were included in data analysis and the researcher's role. It stresses the importance of the researcher listening to participants, taking time to…

Action research is used in community development practice by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Outreach Division. They view the community as the curriculum, co-develop education events, and use the research process as a theoretical framework that ties action, learning, and outcomes together. (JOW)

This article documents a currently unfolding example of that reclamation, which originated from the desire of evaluators of the "Comprehensive Indian Resources for Community and Law Enforcement" (CIRCLE) Project to make the federally mandated evaluation as useful to the Oglala people as possible. Using the models of participatory action research…

Recent years have seen a proliferation of student action research both nationally and internationally. Going by various names--participatory research, action research, participatory evaluation--student action research is research that (a) is conducted by youth, within or outside of schools and classrooms, with the goal of informing and affecting…

During research on cultural differences in Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander pedagogy, it became obvious that the lack of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural typology was impeding research progress. The author's cultural heritage group, the Malara People, a subgroup of the Bandjalang People of northern New South Wales,…

This manual contains training materials on full participation in independent living for a national conference for personnel in agencies concerned with independent living for people with disabilities. Preliminary materials include the conference agenda, background information about the trainers, and organizational information on Independent Living…

A participatory action research project discovered that Honduran women farmers would like more agricultural training but are impeded by cultural perceptions, literacy level, mixed-gender groups, access to resources, and family responsibilities. Recommendations for sensitizing community leaders to the needs of women were made. (SK)

A two-year participatory action research project involved Canadian and Filipino popular theater and development organizations in improving awareness of environmental issues and creating an education performance on community sustainability issues. Issues of time, equity, and cultural difference arose. (SK)

Development can be either incremental or discontinuous, the latter leading to liberatory action. There is a fundamental dilemma involved. On the one hand, educators are trying to change people, forming unavoidable power relations. At the same time, they cannot fully predict the consequences of their efforts. (SK)

Participatory Environmental Action Research involves novices, scientists, and local residents in exploring environmental problems, facilitated by extension professionals. Educational benefits of the expeditions include learning research techniques and teamwork; scientists develop skills in adult education and interpreting science for…

Uses four student-led investigations conducted as part of the National Science Foundation (NSF) funded 'Explorations from an Aerial Perspective' program to demonstrate how participatory action research can provide a framework for realizing environmental education goals. (Author/MM)

This introductory article discusses the benefits of participatory action research (PAR), including the empowerment of participants in research and the research process, the difficulties PAR presents, and summarizes following articles in a special series on the facets of PAR. (CR)