The sociology classroom as a pedagogical site of discomfort: Difficult knowledge and the emotional dynamics of teaching and learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 7-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Audrey Bryan

While recent years have witnessed a growing recognition of the importance of attending to the complex affective dimensions of teaching and learning, emotion remains under-researched and under-theorised as an aspect of education. This paper explores what it means to engage with emotionality in the classroom, particularly in terms of how difficult (sociological) knowledge is experienced, felt and understood by learners, i.e. how they are affected by knowledge that is historically or socially traumatic and hence difficult to bear. Drawing on qualitative data gathered as part of an action research project undertaken during a postgraduate course on globalisation, it offers insights into how course participants felt, experienced and engaged with difficult knowledge about their participation in harmful global economic institutions and practices. The paper concludes by considering some of the theoretical considerations and pedagogical conditions that are necessary if we are to engage learners with difficult (sociological) knowledge which asks them to contemplate how they are implicated in their learning.

2016 ◽  
Vol 77 (2) ◽  
pp. 197-211 ◽  
Author(s):  
Phil Jones ◽  
Julia Bauder ◽  
Kevin Engel

Grinnell College participated in ACRL’s first cohort of Assessment in Action (AiA), undertaking a mixed-methods action research project to assess the effectiveness of librarian-led research literacy sessions in improving students’ research skills. The quantitative data showed that the quality of students’ sources did not markedly improve following a research literacy session, while the qualitative data indicated that many students were able to state and describe important research concepts they learned. This article profiles the development of Grinnell’s AiA project and discusses how Grinnell’s librarians responded when the initial results led to more questions rather than to satisfactory answers.


Author(s):  
Deena Salem ◽  
Brian Frank

Abstract –This paper presents work in progress of a participatory action research project of transforming some Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) courses with the help of Engineering Teaching and Learning Fellows (ETLF). The objective of this paper is to highlight the effectiveness of incorporating an ETLF, with expertise in both the engineering and education fields, in the process, and their accountability throughout the three phases: pre-transformation, transformation and post-transformation.  


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 173-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily M. Jones ◽  
Jun-hyung Baek ◽  
James D. Wyant

Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing preservice teachers’ (PST) experiences integrating technology within a guided action-based research project in the context of student teaching.Methods:Participants were enrolled at a rural, mid-Atlantic university (N = 80, 53 male; 27 female). Researchers retrieved archived data from five semesters of physical education (PE) student teaching cohorts. Data sources included: Technology Action Research Project poster presentations (n = 75) and reflective journal entries (n = 234). All identifiable information was removed, and qualitative data were analyzed inductively.Results:Three themes and subthemes emerged Student Clientele, Self as Teacher, and Others as Systems of Support as contributing agents in PSTs’ experiences integrating technology.Discussion/Conclusion:Results of this study support technology-rich field-based experiences for PSTs that are guided by an action research framework. Findings enhance our understanding of factors that facilitate and hinder early career PE teachers use of technology in teaching and learning settings.


2010 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 455-466
Author(s):  
Catherine McConnell

This paper outlines an action research project developed to investigate the gap in teaching and learning placement materials available to students, academics and practitioners in the art, design and media sector, particularly with respect to micro-businesses. Previous research, funded by the UK's Higher Education Subject Centre for Art Design Media (ADM-HEA) and the Centre for Excellence in Professional Placement Learning (Ceppl) has shown that the creative industries are becoming strongly characterized by ‘portfolio’ employment: sole practitioners, freelancers and the self-employed who have established innovative micro-businesses and small to medium-sized enterprises. Engagement between educators and this industrial sector plays a crucial role in maximizing the placement opportunities available to learners and connecting students with the entrepreneurial options available to them following graduation.


Author(s):  
Andrea Raiker

The investigation discussed in this paper was motivated by a finding revealed through analysis of the dissertation grades of final year undergraduates on an education honours degree. A third of dissertations received grades equating to third class honours or fails and this was viewed by the Faculty as being unacceptable. As a Fellow of the University’s Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning with a focus on personal development, I was asked by the course leader to identify possible causes and suggest changes. My critical reflection on the dissertation suggested that its creation is predicated upon Personal Development Planning (PDP) processes practised through the mediation of the tutorial. I am investigating the effectiveness of the tutorial to support learner development over a two year period, contributing to an overarching action research project undertaken by the National Action Research Network (NARN). This paper presents the outcomes of the first cycle of my action research, involving the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data from students and dissertation supervisors. At this stage it appears that the design of the dissertation meets the needs of some students but not all, particularly the lower third of the sample cohort. Furthermore some students, including a number of thirds and fails, do not perceive tutorial support as essential for the successful completion of their dissertations. Overall, it appears that the tutorial process requires review in order to support the autonomous and/or collaborative learning needed for effective learner development.


2011 ◽  
Vol 3 (4) ◽  
pp. 41
Author(s):  
Christie L. Ahrens ◽  
Mary Ellen Brant ◽  
E. Suzanne Lee

This paper outlines the components of an action research project developed in a Master of Arts in Teaching and Leadership program designed to improve teaching and learning.


Author(s):  
Barend KLITSIE ◽  
Rebecca PRICE ◽  
Christine DE LILLE

Companies are organised to fulfil two distinctive functions: efficient and resilient exploitation of current business and parallel exploration of new possibilities. For the latter, companies require strong organisational infrastructure such as team compositions and functional structures to ensure exploration remains effective. This paper explores the potential for designing organisational infrastructure to be part of fourth order subject matter. In particular, it explores how organisational infrastructure could be designed in the context of an exploratory unit, operating in a large heritage airline. This paper leverages insights from a long-term action research project and finds that building trust and shared frames are crucial to designing infrastructure that affords the greater explorative agenda of an organisation.


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