Action Research Methodology Research Articles

Special Education is Required for Individuals Pursuing A Career as An Advocate, As Stated In Article 3, Paragraph (1), Letter F of The Republic of Indonesia Law Number 18 of 2003, Which Pertains to Advocates.

Special Education for the Advocate Profession (PKPA) is a requirement stipulated by the State Law of the Republic of Indonesia Number 18 of 2003 regarding Advocates. Special Education for the Advocate Profession is a mandatory program designed for those with a bachelor's degree and a foundation in law education. The socializing event had 30 prospective advocates and occurred on October 14, 2023, at the University of Tangerang Raya Tiga Raksa in Tangerang Regency. The Service Learning (SL) method aims to incorporate learning into the Special Education of the Advocate Profession (PKPA) or the collaboration between the National Leadership Council of the Indonesian Advocates Association (DPN PERSADIN) and the Faculty of Law, University of Tangerang Raya (UNTARA). Furthermore, the Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology emphasizes explicitly the empowerment of individuals involved in the Special Education for the Advocate Profession (PKPA). This arises from the necessity to address legal issues inside the community. Volunteers from higher education institutions should prioritize the community as the primary agent of development and transformation. This activity aims to establish and promote advocacy, emphasizing that advocates are esteemed professionals who possess freedom, independence, and responsibility in upholding the law. The activities of this profession are legally safeguarded and protected to ensure the implementation of the Rule of Law.

Empowering Societal Digital Transformation at the Local Level

Digital transformation has revolutionised the way businesses operate through the utilisation of technology. Digital tools enable citizens to access government services quickly and at their own convenience, whilst also facilitating more efficient and effective administrative processes. While many national governments have embraced digital tools, the same cannot be said for local governments, particularly in developing nations as they have not yet taken advantage of the benefits of digitalisation. Whereas some experiences of digital transformation have a top-down approach, this paper shares the experience of a collaborative and participatory process of design and development of a Digital Strategy for Pemba Town Council, in rural Zambia. The aim was to enhance service delivery to its citizens by harnessing the potential of digital tools for a five-year period (2022-2026). Pemba Council faced challenges due to a lack of basic Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure and ICT-enabled systems. Guided by Andrew’s (1971) model of strategy formulation and implementation, and employing an action research methodology, the study engaged the local community and the council through focused group discussions and key informant interviews to understand their challenges, explore solutions to improve service delivery, and finally to develop a digital strategy for the council, the first of its kind. The study noted that while digitalisation for the council could be hampered by challenges such as the digital divide, digital literacy, infrastructure challenges, lack of human resources, among others, both the council and community stakeholders displayed enthusiasm for the process. The study underscores the crucial role citizens play in shaping local decisions, and therefore the need for their engagement in such processes that affect how they engage with local authorities. The paper also presents a guide on how to engage citizens and government officials to develop a participatory digital strategy that is adapted to local needs, infrastructure and context. The study not only contributes to scholarship on digitalisation and its potential to improve service delivery, but is also useful for local governments operating in similar contexts as Pemba Town Council and seeking digitalisation.

Unveiling knowledge ecosystem dimensions for MSMEs’ digital transformation, toward a location-based brokerage

This study explores how knowledge ecosystems (KEs) led by a knowledge broker (KB) can support the digital transformation of Micro-, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). By employing an exploratory research design and action research methodology, the paper proposes and applies an analytical framework to investigate the characteristics of KEs and the knowledge managed by the KB as the innovation intermediary acting as leader of the KE The case study selected uncovers the dimensions of a regional KE guided by a digital innovation hub (DIH) supporting MSMEs towards the adoption of the “Digital Artisan platform” deriving from an Industry 4.0 project.The findings highlight the importance of trust, strategic alignment, and dynamic capabilities of KBs in enhancing MSMEs' digital journey and emphasize the location dimension of the regional KE as a means for providing tailored support. This research contributes to the theoretical and practical understanding of regional KEs enabling the digital transformation through KBs who are the innovation intermediaries covering the role of leaders of the ecosystem.

A qualitative study exploring ethnic youth experiences of navigating multiple cultural identities: a case example with African heritage youth living in Aotearoa/New Zealand

ABSTRACT This article discusses the challenges that African heritage youth 1 face as they navigate their African-ness and Kiwi-ness in the Aotearoa/New Zealand context. Data were drawn from a qualitative study guided by participatory action research (PAR) methodology principles exploring the opportunities and challenges these youth face while navigating their multiple cultural identities. The study used research workshops and anonymous qualitative questionnaire surveys to engage with 35 youth from African communities. PAR’s transformative lens, narrative inquiry, and inductive thematic analysis were used to identify the challenges reported in this paper. Findings show that cultural identity confers a sense of personhood and belonging. African heritage youth born or migrated to Aotearoa/New Zealand at a young age have a strong desire to express and authentically live their African-ness, Kiwi-ness, and other cultural identities. However, this is challenged by the personal, community, and societal factors explained in this paper. The findings of this research contribute towards a greater understanding of the threats to well-being linked to cultural identity construction among African youth in Aotearoa. It also makes a methodological contribution, demonstrating a transformative approach to engaging marginalized or minority groups in a research process that validates their experiences and empowers them.

Tanfiż Istirātījiyyah Majmū’ah al-Tahqīq litarqiyah al-Mahārāt al-Lugawiyyah liṭullāb al-Madrasah al-Ṡānawiyyah

This research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Group Investigation strategies to teach language skills to Class 7 students at Nurul Mujtahidin School. The study employs Classroom Action Research (CAR) methodology, consisting of cyclical planning, acting, observing, and reflecting processes. The research design includes multiple cycles to ensure continuous improvement and adaptation of teaching strategies. Data were collected from classroom observations, student performance assessments, and interviews with students and teachers. The data collection techniques involved direct observation, structured interviews, and analysis of student work. Data analysis was performed using qualitative and quantitative methods to provide a comprehensive understanding of the impact of Group Investigation strategies. The results indicate that these strategies significantly enhance students' language skills, engagement, and collaborative learning abilities. The study concludes that Group Investigation is effective and innovative. The results of this study are: 1) The teaching of language skills using Group Investigation strategies can develop students' enthusiasm by seeing their enthusiasm for learning and coming to school on time. 2) The teaching of language skills using Group Investigation strategies can develop student grades by looking at the number of students 15, the highest score of 100, the standard value of 75, which is included in the standard score of 15, and the overall average score of 84. Based on the results of this study, the authors suggest that principals, curriculum sections, and teachers pay more attention to the factors that encourage students to improve their Arabic language skills. And to the eighth grade to further increase their enthusiasm for learning Arabic.

Sequía, megaproyecto cervecero y agenda ciudadana del agua en Baja California

This article examines the processes of collective action for the defense of water in the Mexicali region. The study emphasizes on a recent episode that induced a socio-environmental conflict related to the Constellation Brands brewing megaproject, with intensive water use in a region experiencing prolonged drought. To analyze this issue, the conceptual framework of Democratic Environmental Governance and the Action Research methodology under a qualitative approach were used.

An Action Research On Peer Feedback In The Croatian Primary EFL School Context

This paper presents an action research whose aim was to implement the peer feedback activity in EFL writing in primary school contexts in Croatia. The study follows the methodology of action research conducted in five stages. The study aims to answer the following research questions: 1. Can the activity of peer feedback in writing be tailored to primary school students? 2. Can peer feedback activity be successfully implemented in primary educational contexts? The action research provided valuable insights into the complex area of teaching writing in the context of EFL, proving that its successful implementation will largely depend on the willingness of teachers to re-think their feedback-giving practice and embrace peer feedback as a part of their teaching routine.

Peer governance practices: an alternative approach to the education of young people in vulnerable contexts

ABSTRACT This paper presents the experience of 6 months of work (January to June 2022) with educators and young people aged 16–18 years from a socio-educational organisation in Raval, a vulnerable neighbourhood of Barcelona. It explores how peer governance practices could help young people to acquire conflict resolution skills. It also analyses the role of adults in the application of these practices, thus furthering the understanding of peer governance as a practice that enables people to co-decide, set limits by establishing specific rules and co-manage conflicts [Kostakis, V. (2010). Peer governance and Wikipedia: Identifying and understanding the problems of Wikipedia’s governance. First Monday, 15(3)]. An action research methodology was developed for this purpose, based on the application and analysis of participatory workshops and ethnographic work. The results show how the process helps adolescents acquire conflict resolution skills in areas such as negotiation of interests, reaching consensus and distribution of roles. It also identifies how educators overestimate the need for an adult mediator. This article is part of a case study that was conducted in the framework of the Horizon 2020 project SMOOTH that explores educational commons as a catalyst for reversing social inequalities among young people in vulnerable contexts.

Reflections on coaching and mentoring in the transition to school space

ABSTRACT The learning and development of educators in schools can take many forms. This paper is a critical reflection about the coaching and mentoring practices of the authors, set within the context of a state-wide transition to school initiative in Queensland, Australia. The paper describes the context of the initiative, the role of the authors, critical participatory action research methodology adopted, some of the tasks used, and emerging evidence of the efficacy or otherwise of decisions made. Critical reflection on the processes undertaken, and the rationale for these, have formed the basis for planning coaching and mentoring support through the initiative and constitute the data utilised in this paper.

Insider action research in palliative care – the challenges of implementing digital health in a hospice organisation in the UK

This paper describes the first-person experience of being a medical consultant and novice action researcher in a UK hospice setting. A new digital IT system resulted in unexpected changes to productivity. An action research methodology using cycles of co-operative inquiry with hospice staff was chosen to investigate. The new technology caused fears among hospice nurses that the authenticity of the hospice ethos would be lost. The hospice staff were concerned about the loss of their role and identity. Action cycles were used to positively transform the hospice nursing structure and admission process

Social Workers and Black Barbers: A Collaboration to Address Mental Health Stigma

ABSTRACT Black men need safe spaces to express emotions free from bias and stigma. They have been underserved in emotional support due to systemic inequalities. Creating nurturing environments can empower Black men to heal from trauma. Stigma plays a crucial role in their reluctance to seek mental health treatment. This research uses a qualitative approach, combining an action research methodology with a generic qualitative inquiry. This study was conducted to answer the following research question: How can social workers and barbers collaborate to address the stigma of mental health treatment among Black men better? In this study, five social workers, five barbers, and five social work supervisors were interviewed to collect data for the study. Audio recordings were transcribed, and thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Several key themes emerged: (a) collaboration strategies, (b) barbershops as safe spaces, (c) overcoming stigma, (d) cultural competence, and (e) challenges and barriers. The research study produced a pamphlet aimed at raising awareness of mental health stigma’s impact on Black men. The implications for the study highlight that partnerships between social workers and barbers can play a pivotal role in dismantling stereotypes and barriers associated with mental health issues among Black men, fostering a cultural shift toward greater mental well-being, acceptance, and understanding.

Evaluating the impact of students' generative AI use in educational contexts

PurposeThe purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on students' learning experiences and perceptions through a master’s-level course. The study specifically focused on student engagement, comfort with GenAI and ethical considerations.Design/methodology/approachThe study used an action research methodology employing qualitative data collection methods, including pre- and post-course surveys, reflective assignments, class discussions and a questionnaire. The AI-Ideas, Connections, Extensions (ICE) Framework, combining the ICE Model and AI paradigms, is used to assess students' cognitive engagement with GenAI.FindingsThe study revealed that incorporating GenAI in a master’s-level instructional design course increased students' comfort with GenAI and their understanding of its ethical implications. The AI-ICE Framework demonstrated most students were at the initial engagement level, with growing awareness of GenAI’s limitations and ethical issues. Course reflections highlighted themes of improved teaching strategies, personal growth and the practical challenges of integrating GenAI responsibly.Research limitations/implicationsThe small sample size poses challenges to the analytical power of the findings, potentially limiting the breadth and applicability of conclusions. This constraint may affect the generalizability of the results, as the participants may not fully represent the broader population of interest. The researchers are mindful of these limitations and suggest caution in interpreting the findings, acknowledging that they may offer more exploratory insights than definitive conclusions. Future research endeavors should aim to recruit a larger cohort to validate and expand upon the initial observations, ensuring a more robust understanding.Originality/valueThe study is original in its integration of GenAI into a master's-level instructional design course, assessing both the practical and ethical implications of its use in education. By utilizing the AI-ICE Framework to evaluate students' cognitive engagement and employing action research methodology, the study provides insights into how GenAI influences learning experiences and perceptions. This approach bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and the real-world application of GenAI, offering actionable strategies for its responsible use in educational settings.

Understanding Digital Transformation Village Credit Institutions Towards Sustainability Based on Local Genius

This study aims to understand the digitization transformation of village credit institutions towards sustainability based on local genius. Local geniuses are fundamental values for village credit institutions to enrich traditional local citizens. This research was conducted in village credit institutions and has since been transformed into digital. This research employed the combination methodology of Participatory Action Research in developing the application and Nusantara Paradigm as a view and the method using local values in implementing the application. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with stakeholders’ village credit institutions in Bali Province, the heads of village credit institutions, which is a digital transformation. This study realizes that window-dressing is a common practice that can be described using agency theory. Window dressings can be reduced through digital transformations. Sustainability exists as an enrichment of traditional local economics based on local genius with three harmonized relationships with God, humans, and the environment. Local genius not just the values written in regulation or standard operating procedures, but internalization in daily operational village credit institutions. Sustainability existence and growth measure with the comprehensive approach, harmonization with the God in our spiritual values, harmonization with the human through transparent report can be describe with development Humanism Agency Theory on Traditional Social Community Ownership. Harmonization in an environment with practical digital transformation to save our planet. The originality of this research is that it extends agency theory type 4 in accordance with social community ownership of a new type of conflict. The combined method of Participatory Action Research in developing the application and Nusantara Paradigm in implementing a new methodology approach reflecting digital process transformation based on local values.

Let’s Listen-Read-Discuss: Improving Reading Comprehension

This study used classroom action research to investigate if the L-R-D method may improve reading comprehension in the VIII class at SMPN 4 Kuta Utara. There were two sessions per cycle of this two-cycle classroom action research methodology. Pre- and post-tests, as well as a questionnaire, were employed by the researcher as data collection tools. The pre-test results from the first reflection were used as the foundation for this investigation. The results demonstrated the students' persistent struggles with reading comprehension and their inability to discriminate between references, textual meaning, specific information, and general information. After taking the pre-test (58.9), cycle one post-test (72.8), and cycle two post-test (81.4), the respondents' mean scores showed a substantial improvement. Additionally, the results of this study indicated favourable attitudes about the application of the L-R-D approach. The results of the questionnaire indicated that 46.08% agreed, 2.77% agreed, 0.28% disagreed, and 0% strongly disagreed, with 50.85% highly agreeing. The L-R-D technique may improve the reading comprehension of eighth-grade students at SMPN 4 Kuta Utara, according to the study's findings.

Community protagonism based on the participatory inventory of Galópolis (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil): management of an industrial heritage

The article analyzes the participation of the community of the Galópolis neighborhood, located in the southern part of the city of Caxias do Sul (Rio Grande do Sul/Brazil), through the processes of musealization of the territory, stimulating their commitment to the management of the heritage listed through strategies that enhance their protagonism. Part of the master's research defended in the Graduate Program in Museology and Heritage at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (PPGMusPa/UFRGS), it is based on industrial archaeology and action research methodologies to understand the dynamics of museums, combining oral history, documentary, iconological and content analysis with a participatory inventory to achieve an integrative museum perspective that fosters the self-management of a community framed by a paternalistic industrial dynamic. Based on the principles of Social Museology, the aim of this research is to provide a continuous process of reflection on local history, museological discourses and the need to stimulate community protagonism in relation to local demands in an empirical and emancipatory way.

Penggunaan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Terhadap Penigkatan Hasil Belajar Siswa Di Kelas XI SMK Negeri 2 Medan

This research is conducted with the intention of enhancing the learning outcomes of students in class XI-TITL 4 at SMA Negeri 2 Medan through the implementation of a problem-based learning methodology. Two cycles of four stages—planning, doing, observing, and reflecting make up the classroom action research methodology. Thirty individuals, all from class XI-TITL 4, were the subjects of this study. Tests, observations, and documentation are the means of data gathering, while descriptive analysis is the tool of choice for data analysis. According to the study's findings, pupils' average mathematics learning outcomes also improved throughout the two cycles, rising from 70.83 to 79.48. Aside from that, cycle I had a completion rate of 57% and cycle II had a completion rate of 87% for student learning. The study that has been conducted suggests that instructional materials that employ a problem-based learning approach can enhance the learning outcomes for students.

Fostering Emotional and Moral Development in Islamic Boarding Schools: The Impact of Talaqqî and Ḥalaqa Traditions

The article scrutinizes the teacher-student respected relationship within the talaqqȋ and ḥalaqa traditions of Salafis Boarding Schools. The purpose of the study is to explore the psychological dimensions of this relationship, specifically recognized in Acehnese society as “Ta'zhim keu Guree” (respect to the teacher) as the main âdâb (virtues) within this bond, focusing on the principle of respect. This study employed a participatory action research methodology, using in-depth interviews and participant observation as the primary research instruments, conducted at the Dayah Nurul Hikam Al-Waliyah in Kota Langsa, Aceh Province. The study found that the teacher-student relationship within the talaqqȋ and ḥalaqa tradition acts as a dynamic channel for fostering emotional well-being and psychological growth among students. The respectful bond emerging from this relationship nurtures well-rounded individuals committed to intellectual and moral growth. Ẩdâb, as an Islamic cornerstone, epitomizes respect, humility, and gratitude, bolstering emotional well-being and ethics. The findings suggest that these traditions can be a valuable model for educational institutions aiming to promote emotional well-being, psychological growth, moral ethics, and alignment with Islamic teachings. Additionally, âdâb is highlighted as a valuable tool for promoting positive social change in communities.

Implementation of Self-regulated Learning Writing Module: Amplifying Motivation and Mitigating Anxiety among EFL Learners

EFL learners often face difficulties in their writing performance, motivation, and writing anxiety when engaging in the writing process. To address these issues, a Self-regulated Learning Writing Module (SRLWM) was developed to assist EFL learners in their writing tasks. The main objective of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the SRLWM on the writing performance, anxiety levels, and motivation of college-level EFL learners. The study involved a total of 70 EFL learners from a university in Henan Province, China, and utilized a quasi-experimental design with an experimental SRLWM group and a control group. The participants underwent eight weeks of SRLWM training. Pretests and posttests were conducted to assess the participants’ writing performance, motivation, and writing anxiety, and the data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Mann-Whitney U test. The results revealed a significant improvement in both writing performance and motivation among the participants in the SRLWM group, accompanied by a notable decrease in writing anxiety. These improvements were considerably different from the outcomes observed in the control group. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that SRL is an effective tool for EFL writing instruction. Consequently, the integration of SRLWM into EFL writing classes can be highly beneficial. Further research in this area could focus on dynamically tracking learners’ progress in writing, as well as their levels of writing anxiety and motivation, by employing action research methodologies.

The butterfly matchmaking model for circular construction: Towards a digital matchmaking platform tailored to French policy

Digitalization has gained recognition as a crucial factor for implementing circular economy principles in construction. However, digital platforms for circular construction do not adequately match supply and demand in the emerging secondary materials and products market yet. Therefore, this research questions how digital matchmaking platforms could be (re)defined to better support circular construction practitioners. By applying a participatory action research methodology with a technical assistance provider, the study employs a three-stage research design to comprehensively identify, collect, and react to stakeholders' needs in the French context, experiencing recent policy change. Our resulting butterfly matchmaking model defines two distinct, yet interoperable matchmaking loops: the first one matches auditors, contractors, and collectors for deconstruction, and the second one matches designers, contractors, and dealers for construction. This strategy presents a paradigm shift in current platform thinking by ensuring autonomy for circular construction and deconstruction as well as by providing a multi-sided matchmaking environment for key stakeholders' inclusion. Our proposition prompts platform developers to transition from mainstream project-centered matchmaking to a more holistic profession-centered matchmaking approach. By promoting tighter coordination between digitalization, policy, and practice, we contribute to the development of advanced digital matchmaking platforms, supporting the industrialization of circular construction. These results will be used to develop a functional prototype of a digital matchmaking platform for analyzing real business models.

Leveraging Lean Six Sigma principles in an Indian tertiary care hospital: a case study

PurposeWorkflow optimisation is crucial for establishing a viable acute stroke (AS) intervention programme in a large tertiary care centre. This study aims to utilise Lean Six Sigma (LSS) principles to enhance the hospital's workflow.Design/methodology/approachThe Action Research methodology was used to implement the project and develop the case study. The study took place in a large tertiary care academic hospital in India. The Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control approach optimised the workflow within 6 months. Lean tools such as value stream mapping (VSM), waste audits and Gemba were utilised to identify issues involving various stakeholders in the workflow. Sigma-level calculations were used to compare baseline, improvement and sustainment status. Additionally, statistical techniques were effectively employed to draw meaningful inferences.FindingsLSS tools and techniques can be effectively utilised in large tertiary care hospitals to optimise workflow through a structured approach. Sigma ratings of the processes showed substantial improvement, resulting in a five-fold increase in clinical outcomes. Specifically, there was a 43% improvement in outcome for patients who underwent acute stroke revascularisation. However, certain sigma ratings deteriorated during the control and extended control (sustainment) phases. This indicates that ensuring the sustainability of quality control interventions in healthcare is challenging and requires continuous auditing.Research limitations/implicationsThe article presents a single case study deployed in a hospital in India. Thus, the generalisation of outcomes has a significant limitation. Also, the study encounters the challenge of not having a parallel control group, which is a common limitation in quality improvement studies in healthcare. Many studies in healthcare quality improvement, including this one, are limited by minimal data on long-term follow-up and the sustainability of achieved results.Originality/valueThis study pioneers the integration of LSS methodologies in a large Indian tertiary care hospital, specifically targeting AS intervention. It represents the first LSS case study applied in the stroke department of any hospital in India. Whilst most case studies discuss only the positive aspects, this article fills a critical gap by unearthing the challenges of applying LSS in a complex healthcare setting, offering insights into sustainable quality improvement and operational efficiency. This case study contributes to the theoretical understanding of LSS in healthcare. It showcases its real-world impact on patient outcomes and process optimisation.