This article discusses the dearth of qualitative and quantitative research in "Religious Education." There is a growing concern in educational journals that the field must respond to the needs of practitioners and publish what has been called "really useful knowledge" (Johnson 1988, 21-22). In "Religious Education," 86.5% of the published articles…

In participatory research, education and learner participation are directly connected. The document analyzes the role of a participatory research method in the basic education of rural adults. The different phases of the Participant Research method are presented, along with a profound analysis of both research and participation. The claim is that…

The traditional educational method has focused on a passive stand from the learner. This passive stand can hinder creativity and analytical thinking. This work concentrates on a presentation of the Participant Research educational method. Participant Research is an adult-education method in which the learner can have an active role in his…

Advocates practitioner-research, by teachers and learners, in their own language classrooms. Points out that teachers who are successful at integrating an investigative element into their teaching may demand collegial support to increase the chance for satisfactory research and that other teachers may develop a new professional concept of what…

Based on a recent community-based research project with injured workers, identifies challenges faced when academics engage in community-based research based at a university, including dealing with the constraints and requirements of academic research funding, bridging the goals of academics and community members, and functioning within the…

The case of Colgate University is used to argue that community-based research can be a vibrant and effective form of service learning, especially in rural communities. However, community-based research is difficult to execute well. There is little flexibility and high consequences for failed projects. As such, community-based research requires…

Compares seven multi-institutional community-based research networks in Appalachia; Colorado; District of Columbia; Minneapolis-St. Paul; Philadelphia; Richmond, Virginia; and Trenton, New Jersey. After reviewing the histories of the networks, conducts a comparative SWOT analysis, showing their common and unique strengths, weaknesses,…

A participant-observation study in a South African mining company that used self directed work team training identified organizational constraints that hindered training effectiveness: lack of materials, machinery breakdown, decentralized budget, and imposed standards. Miners more often used improvisation and initiative to solve daily problems,…

Presents a theoretical framework for teaching and learning research literacies. Describes a classroom demonstration involving graduate student cohorts in appreciative inquiry into practitioners' ways of writing. Addresses the issues of human subjects, informed consent, and the ethics of representation. (Contains 49 references.) (SK)

Of three extension models--top-down technology transfer, farmers-first approach, and participatory research--the latter extends elements of the other two into a more comprehensive analysis of a problem and specification of solution strategies. An Australian integrated pest management (IPM) example illustrates how structured workshops are a useful…

Compares action technologies on eight dimensions: purpose, primary focus, theoretical foundations, ideological focus, key strategies, facilitator role, research aim, and validity criteria. The technologies are action learning, action research, action science, popular education, participatory action research, and collaborative inquiry. (SK)

The colonial nature of relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people undermines effective adult education programs. A genuinely participatory mode of program development that enables Aboriginal communities to control their own education is essential. (SK)

This study adopted an interpretivist model as a basis for parents and researchers to cocreate a discourse, using repertory grid methodology, that outlines life experiences as they relate to parenting a child with an intellectual disability. A model of five interrelated systems of issues that impinge upon the perceptions of parents is proposed.…

Outlines the participatory self-evaluation methods of the People's Participation Programme of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation. Benefits, six steps for introducing the method, and problems of language, comparability of numbers, and objectivity are described. (SK)

Describes the nature of participation within the context of people-centered development. Presents a framework for monitoring and evaluating participation in development, using participatory methodology. (SK)