Participatory Research and Action (PRA) : A methodology to empower participants in a National Research Fellowship project.
Associate Professor Geraldine O Neill.
Date: Wednesday, 13th April, 2-3pm
Video recording of webinar - (opens in a new window)https://bit.ly/CSHEW_3
Description and aim of webinar
This webinar explores the research approach used in a (opens in a new window)National Forum T&L Research Fellowship project to support the empowerment of the participants involved. The study sought to develop solutions to some emerging assessment and feedback challenges in the area of work-integrated learning. It aimed to engage students, staff and practitioners in an inter-stakeholder dialogue, to identify some solutions and actions with respect to their own work-integrated learning assessment and feedback practices and policies. The research also highlighted some actions and solutions for national and institutional policies and practices (O’Neill, 2021).
This webinar however aims to :
1) Describe the aims of this Participatory Research and Action (PRA) approach (aka Participatory Learning and Action (PLA) (de Brun et al, 2017; O’Neill & McMahon, 2012).
2) Discuss how the researcher implemented this approach in a series of online workshops nationally, supporting inter-stakeholder dialogue, attempting a consensus of the group to develop some solution and actions. Each 3.5-hour workshop included polls, brainstorming (using Jamboard), open discussion and discussion notes.
3) Critique the approach and discuss its application for other researchers.
References:
de Brún T. de Brún, M. O’Reilly - de Brún, E. Van Weel-Baumgarten, N. Burns, C. Dowrick, C. Lionis, C. O’Donnell, F. S. Mair, M. Papadakaki, A. Saridaki, W. Spiegel, C. Van Weel, M. Van den Muijsenbergh & A. MacFarlane (2017) Using Participatory Learning & Action (PLA) research techniques for inter-stakeholder dialogue in primary healthcare: an analysis of stakeholders’ experiences. Research Involvement and Engagement, 3:28
O’Neill, G McMahon, S. (2012) Giving student groups a stronger voice: using participatory research and action (PRA) to initiate change to a curriculum. Innovations in Education and Teaching International Vol. 49, No. 2, May 2012, 161–171
O’Neill, G. (2021). (opens in a new window)Assessing work-integrated learning: Developing solutions to the challenges of authenticity and consistency. National Forum T&L Research Fellowship Presentation, VITAL week, 8th November, 2021.