Homage to Fals Borda: A report from III International Symposium of Action and Participatory research

Abstract

Abstract This text is a report from the III International Symposium of Action and Participatory research that took place in Bogota (Colombia), from June 22 to 25, 2015. These conferences originated from the International Journal of Action Research’s intention of providing a regular space for action researchers to meet, share and evaluate their practices. As Colombia was the homeland of Orlando Fals Borda (1925-2008), his living memory was very much felt during the symposium, which was also intended to pay homage to this researcher who keeps influencing much of action and participatory research in Latin America. Investigacion Accion Participativa (IAP) revealed itself to be a quite well established approach within the larger context of action research. The papers were largely centered on methodological creativity, and the discussions called attention to the importance of situating research practices and projects within the present global social and economic context. Keywords: Action Research, participatory research, Investigacion accion participative (IAP), Orlando Fals Borda, participatory methodologies