Facilitating action research in science, technology and society (sts) education: An experience in reflective practice

Abstract

Action research as a form of professional development encourages teachers to participate in cycles of planning, acting, observing and reflecting, thereby creating possibilities for change and transformation. Equally important are the transformations and professional growth experienced by the facilitator in an action research context. In recent literature, the epistemological and methodological foundations of action research have come under scrutiny. Part of this debate emerges from the experience of those who actually attempt to facilitate action research with groups of teachers. In this paper I critically examine my participation (as a university-based facilitator and researcher) in an action research group in science, technology and society (STS) education to illustrate: (a) how a second-order inquiry enhanced my understanding of the nature of action research, while (b) simultaneously allowing me to explore and develop strategies for facilitating the process. © 1996, Copyright Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.