The knowledge machinery and claims in learning study as paedeutical research

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingrid Maria Carlgren
Keyword(s):  
Meaning Making ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Learning Objects ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Claims ◽  
Specific Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the theoretical reflection on learning study as a research approach. The focus is on description and reflection on the methodology of learning study as paedeutic research. This research is for, not on, teachers, i.e. research into problems and challenges faced by teachers in their professional practice. Learning study as paedeutic research is about the content and processes of formation/Bildung in relation to specific learning objects. Its focus is on subject-specific ways of knowing as well as how such knowing is enabled through teaching. Design/methodology/approach The point of departure is a perspective on research approaches as practices, i.e. as activities with certain aims as well as ways of “making” knowledge. Based on a description of the knowledge machinery in a learning study, i.e. those mechanisms that together generate new knowledge, the knowledge claims that can be made are discussed together with the theoretical underpinning of the arguments. The knowledge machinery is described in relation to how it is organised around the delimitation and analysis of an object of Learning as well as designing and evaluating ways to make the critical aspects of this object of learning visible. As an epistemological underpinning, some aspects of pragmatic philosophical thinking regarding the relationship between theory and practice are outlined. Based on that the research process may be described as a development of means-ends relationships – from unconscious empirical relationships to conscious staging of internal and theoretical relations. Abduction is an important tool for this meaning-making. Findings Learning study can be described as a particularistic, theory-building research approach concerning the knowing of specific learning objects as well as how they can be taught and learnt. The knowledge that is generated in learning study is theoretical and describes aspects of the teaching and learning of specific objects of learning. The research process can be described in terms of specification where practice is gradually supplied with a more differentiated meaning. A learning study is organised around a specific object of learning that functions as an open and unfolding object of knowledge. It combines a practice-based development of theory with a theory-based development of practice. Originality/value The development of the thinking about learning study as research for, rather than on, teachers is paedeutical research. A contribution to reflection on the knowledge machinery and knowledge claims of such research.

Experiences from the teacher-researcher’s perspective on learning study

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrik Johansson ◽  
Anja Thorsten
Keyword(s):  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Primary Source ◽  
Teaching Experience ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Source Analysis ◽  
Variation Theory ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Teacher Researchers

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze and discuss experiences, in terms of challenges and opportunities, of teacher-researchers who engage in research on the learning study approach. The following two questions will be addressed: how can the teaching experience influence, and become an asset, in the research process and what challenges do teachers face when they enter the research practice? Design/methodology/approach Each question will be explored through some empirically grounded themes. The analysis is based on experiences from participation in a PhD program, where learning study was used as a method and variation theory was the main theoretical framework. One learning study was focusing on creative writing in primary school and the other was focusing on historical primary source analysis in upper secondary school. Findings The first question is addressed through the following themes: choosing and identifying research problems; planning and conducting research lessons; analyzing research lessons and students’ learning; and process of self-reflection, and the second question through: teaching as an object of research; to use and develop theories; and communication and review in research. The findings indicate that learning study is a practice-based research approach where teaching experience and academic skills are intertwined in many ways. Both approaches bring opportunities as well as challenges. Originality/value The paper is expected to contribute insights and knowledge about the advantages, as well as hindrances to overcome, for teacher-researchers who use learning study as a research method. The results can also be related to the performing of action research in teachers’ classroom practice.

Investigating factors of intellectual capital to enhance achievement of strategic goals in a university hospital setting

2015 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 331-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emidia Vagnoni ◽  
Chiara Oppi
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Hospital Setting ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Strategic Goals

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on an action research project carried out in an Italian university hospital that was facing a strategic challenge. The role of intellectual capital (IC) for university hospital strategic management is discussed after developing and applying an IC framework to enhance the visualisation of strategic IC elements. Design/methodology/approach – An action research process has been applied in the studied setting based on Susman and Evered’s (1978) definition of the engaged research cycle. Findings – The action research process allowed a gap between theory and practice to be bridged; the strategic control process resulted supported by new measures; a different approach to strategy management was launched, and other organisations perceived the relevance of the IC representation and wished to import it. Research limitations/implications – Research limitations are related to those recognised for the interventionist research approach. Practical implications – The paper contributes to the improvement of managerial and accounting technologies for practitioners managing university hospitals and discusses a university hospital’s strategic goals. Originality/value – The paper represents a methodological contribution related to the interventionist research stream of literature, and enriches the limited studies focused on IC in health care organisations. Furthermore, the paper enables appreciation of the role of academics in the convergence of theory and practice.

scholarly journals Assistive tools for disability arts: collaborative experiences in working with disabled artists and stakeholders

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 121-129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Creed
Keyword(s):  
Special Needs ◽  
Research Impact ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Visual Artists ◽  
Content Type ◽  
British Council ◽  
Artistic Work ◽  
Conducting Research ◽  
The Impact

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a review of the experiences in working collaboratively with physically impaired visual artists and other stakeholders (e.g. disability arts organisations, charities, personal assistants, special needs colleges, assistive technologists, etc.) to explore the potential of digital assistive tools to support and transform practice. Design/methodology/approach – The authors strategically identified key organisations as project partners including Disability Arts Shropshire, Arts Council England, the British Council, SCOPE, and National Star College (a large special needs college). This multi-disciplinary team worked together to develop relationships with disabled artists and to collaboratively influence the research focus around investigating the current practice of physically impaired artists and the impact of digital technologies on artistic work. Findings – The collaborations with disabled artists and stakeholders throughout the research process have enriched the project, broadened and deepened research impact, and enabled a firsthand understanding of the issues around using assistive technology for artistic work. Artists and stakeholders have become pro-active collaborators and advocates for the project as opposed to being used only for evaluation purposes. A flexible research approach was crucial in helping to facilitate research studies and enhance impact of the work. Originality/value – This paper is the first to discuss experiences in working with physically impaired visual artists – including the benefits of a collaborative approach and the considerations that must be made when conducting research in this area. The observations are also relevant to researchers working with disabled participants in other fields.

Owning one’s epistemology in religious studies research methodology

Kybernetes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 2057-2071 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip Baron
Keyword(s):  
Social Justice ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Religious Studies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Observer Effect ◽  
Temporal Coupling ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose There is a lack of epistemological considerations in religious studies methodologies, which have resulted in an on-going critique in this field. In addressing this critique, the researcher’s observer effect needs to be actively accounted for owing to the influence of the researcher’s epistemology in the author’s research. This paper aims to answer the question of why a researcher should address one’s epistemology in the research. Design/methodology/approach Using second-order cybernetics as an approach, observer dependence is exemplified and justified in the context of religious studies research methodology. The research activity is shown as a relational temporal coupling that introduces inter-subjective aspects to the research. The research process is analysed showing the need to provide scope for the researcher’s epistemology in one’s research. Findings A relational observer-dependent approach to research embraces the epistemology of the researcher and the participants providing equality in the relationship. The research results are thus framed according to the nature of the relationship and are thus not detached. This addresses social justice and reduces troubling truth claims. Research limitations/implications This first paper focuses on the question of why epistemology should be included in scholarly research. A detailed framework for how scholars may achieve this goal is to be part of the future study and is not presented in this paper. Practical implications In many positivist approaches there is a motivation to hide the researcher; however, recently there has been a move towards including authors in the first person, realising that science is tied to politics, which does not reach its ideals of objectivity. Cybernetics is presented as an approach to addressing the move from “objective” to “subjective” research. Social implications Researchers cannot get into the minds of their participants and thus an authorial privileged presentation by the researcher of the participant’s experiences is fraught with epistemological weaknesses. Attempting to own one’s own epistemology could address social justice in research by personalising the research and accounting for the observer effect and the inter-subjective attributes of the research relationship. Originality/value The principle of observer dependence in cybernetics is not new; however, a research approach that focuses on the nature of knowing and how this may influence one’s research in religious studies is uncommon. It is thus presented here as a viable option to address the critique of epistemologically weak research methodology in religious studies.

Consumer protection and electronic commerce in the Sultanate of Oman

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakesh Belwal ◽  
Rahima Al Shibli ◽  
Shweta Belwal
Keyword(s):  
Electronic Commerce ◽  
Consumer Protection ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Consumer Confidence ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Sultanate Of Oman ◽  
Protection Measures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Legal Provisions

Purpose Within a larger mandate of reviewing the key global trends concerning consumer protection in the electronic commerce (e-commerce) literature, this study aims to study the legal framework concerning e-commerce and consumer protection in the Sultanate of Oman and to analyse the current regulations concerning e-commerce and consumer protection. Design/methodology/approach This study followed the normative legal research approach and resorted to the desk research process to facilitate content analysis of literature containing consumer protection legislation and regulatory provisions in Oman in particular and the rest of the world in general. Findings The study reveals that consumer protection initiatives in Oman are well entrenched for offline transactions, but are relatively new and limited for e-commerce. In spite of the promulgation of consumer protection laws, electronic transaction law and cybercrime law, consumer protection measures for e-commerce in Oman do not address a large number of the global concerns necessary to build consumer confidence and trust in the online environment. Research limitations/implications There is a dearth of information concerning Oman on this topic in the extant literature. The research also witnessed the lack of empirical data on the issue of consumer protection and e-commerce in Oman that offer a detailed database of consumer complaints and associated outcomes. Practical implications The mechanism of consumer protection in electronic transactions is not robust in many countries. Because of the lack of comprehensive and robust legislation, consumers remain vulnerable in the online contractual purchase process. Moving beyond the fragmented legislation, many countries are currently mulling an all-comprehensive e-commerce law, implications of this paper will help the policymakers in identifying the focus areas. Social implications Consumer protection is a burning global issue in this era of consumerism. It is important to build consumer trust, transparency and integrity of transactions to reduce the risk and uncertainties of purchase. Originality/value Consumer protection studies conducted in the context of Oman, hitherto, deal more with data protection and dispute resolution mechanisms, and less with legal provisions, regulations and consumer confidence. The study shares newer insights based on a systematic review of legal and business databases. It is the first study of its kind in the context of Oman and the Middle East in general.

scholarly journals Undertaking individual transdisciplinary PhD research for sustainable development

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 150-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
John van Breda ◽  
Josephine Musango ◽  
Alan Brent
Keyword(s):  
Problem Formulation ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Transdisciplinary Research ◽  
Epistemic Communities ◽  
Research Experiences ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Formulation Analysis ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The University

Purpose – This paper aims to improve the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD research in a developing country context, focusing on three individual PhD case studies in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach – Multiple-case method was used, and three completed transdisciplinary PhD research efforts undertaken at the Stellenbosch University were selected. They were coordinated through the TsamaHub, an inter-faculty platform at the University which organises educational modules for transdisciplinary research. Using actual research experiences and reflections of the three individual PhDs, the paper evaluates their work in terms of ontological, epistemological, methodological and methodical/methods aspects. Findings – The central challenge to individual PhD researchers is engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. To overcome this, the paper suggests that developing individual epistemic relationships to build “transdisciplinary epistemic communities” should be considered for inclusion as an intentional aspect of transdisciplinary research design. Research limitations/implications – “Transdisciplinary epistemic communities” is still a concept in its infancy and needs more work before it may be theoretically and practically useful. Practical implications – Continuously guiding the individual transdisciplinary research process in a reflexive, recursive, transparent and equal manner is absolutely critical because transdisciplinary research cannot be done successfully if dominated by overly methods-driven approaches. Originality/value – The discourse around transdisciplinary methodology has major implications for the design of individual PhD research. The paper provides recommendations to enhance the theory and practice of individual transdisciplinary PhD research.

scholarly journals From cooperative practice to research and back

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (02) ◽  
pp. 194-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kiri Langmead
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Construction ◽  
Meaning Making ◽  
Research Performance ◽  
Ways Of Knowing ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Construction Of Knowledge ◽  
Nuanced Understanding ◽  
A Site

Purpose This paper aims to explore how experiences and emotions arising from the performance of ethnography shape the construction of knowledge about democratic practice in two social enterprises. It argues that ethnographers can develop a more nuanced understanding of organisational practices by moving beyond the self-reflexive work of being aware of one’s position to embrace the emotional work of engaging reflexively with this position, re-embedding reflexive moments in the process of knowledge construction. Design/methodology/approach Reflections are made on the emotions and experiences arising during a 12-month ethnographic study in two social enterprises. Findings The author found that engaging reflexively with relational and emotional processes of meaning-making opened up three analytical starting points. First it highlighted and helped the researcher to see beyond the limits of their assumptions, opening them to new understandings of democracy. Second, it gave rise to empathetic resonance through which the researcher was able to feel into the practice of democracy and re-frame it as a site of ongoing struggle. Finally, it brought to consciousness tacit ways of knowing and being central to both research and democratic praxis. Originality/value The paper adds to limited literature on processes of knowledge construction. Specifically, it contributes new insights into how emotional experiences and empathetic resonance arising at the meeting point of research performance and democratic praxis can offer analytical starting points for a more nuanced understanding of democratic organising in social enterprise.

How teachers’ practice knowledge is used and challenged in a Learning Study using Variation Theory as a tool

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 274-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja Thorsten
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Process ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Variation Theory ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Video Recordings ◽  
Field Notes ◽  
Practice Knowledge

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss how teachers’ practice knowledge is used as a tool in a Learning Study and how teachers’ practice knowledge is challenged by using Variation Theory as a tool in the process? Design/methodology/approach – The analysis is based on data from the research process in a Learning Study. The data consists of meeting notes of ten research meetings, field notes of the research meetings and from the enactment of the lessons, video recordings of the lessons and reflective notes after and between the meetings. The analysis is qualitative and the findings are described in themes. Findings – Teachers’ practice knowledge was used and challenged in different ways in the process. This is described in five themes. Teachers’ practice knowledge was visible in the process since it enabled relevant questions to be addressed and subtle signals from students to be taken into account. It also ensured that the activities used were suitable for the students. The theory provided a focus on the object of learning and a language to talk about teaching and learning. It also challenged teachers’ assumptions about teaching and learning and allowed them to be discussed. Originality/value – The paper addresses both teachers’ practice knowledge and Variation Theory in relation to a Learning Study. It focusses on how practice knowledge of teachers can be used and challenged in the same process. The perspective is from the inside, from a teacher researcher’s point of view.

Conflicts in innovation and how to approach the “last mile” of conflict management research – a literature review

2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-213 ◽  
Author(s):  
Albert Vollmer
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Conflict Management ◽  
Intervention Studies ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Last Mile ◽  
Innovation Dynamics ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to present the state-of-the-art in empirical research on conflicts in innovation inorganizations and to outline strategic implications both for research and practical application with the specific focus on intervention studies. Design/methodology/approach – Literature search in the Web-of-Science identified 32 empirical publications from 1990 to July 2012. Characteristics of the studies, methodological approaches and empirical findings are summarized and discussed. Strategic implications are derived. Findings – The literature review reveals studies of the relationship between conflict and innovation on different organizational levels. Most of the studies address different aspects of conflict as antecedents of innovation, while some address conflict as an outcome of innovative behavior or structures. Almost all authors come up with theoretical and practical implications. But intervention studies which could close the gap between theory and practice, here termed the “last mile” of conflict management, are yet to be addressed. Research limitations/implications – While several implications are derived that aim at consolidating and deepening the understanding of the conflict – innovation dynamics, the major implication is to develop a knowledge-oriented research approach and to expand the scope of research to intervention studies. Constructive controversy is described as an example of this new research avenue. Practical implications – From intervention studies, researchers could gain more direct, practical insights into actual work processes. Managers could profit by incorporating first-hand knowledge augmented by researchers’ expertise. Originality/value – This article provides a systematic review of the relationship between conflict and innovation in the business context and practical implications thereof.

Teachers developing teaching

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 383-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Björk ◽  
Gunilla Pettersson-Berggren
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mathematical Thinking ◽  
Number Line ◽  
Learning Objects ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Variation Theory ◽  
Test Design ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Critical Aspects

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate what might be relevant to younger children’s understanding of a number line and how teaching can be designed according to variation theory to give pupils the opportunity to develop an understanding of the number line as a tool for mathematical thinking. Design/methodology/approach – A Learning Study was conducted by mathematics teachers at Sjöstadsskolan in Stockholm. Variation theory was used as a theory of learning. In order to use the number line as a tool in mathematical thinking, pupils have to discern what is important for this form of representation of the numeral system. Critical aspects from other studies with similar learning objects have been taken into consideration for pre-test design. These aspects supplemented and enhanced the analysis of the results and the results were consistent with earlier learning studies’. Findings – Four critical features, for younger pupils’ understanding of how the number line can be constructed, have been established in the study: the number line can have a different range (e.g. 0-20 or 30-60), correlation between the distance and value, two reference points are needed to place a third number and determine the scale, and the correlation between a part and whole. Originality/value – Learning Study is emphasized as a powerful and structured model for teacher driven research aiming to develop the praxis. The use of experiences and results from other studies is recommended.

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