The action research projects the Ubuntu Network has funded to date are diverse and extensive in their remit but share a common goal in their endeavour to identify models of best practice and to build knowledge, skills and attitudes that are central to the delivery of a Development Education programme within Initial Teacher Education.

What is Action Research ?

For the teacher researcher, action research presented a framework in which to design, participate, observe and facilitate an intervention while at the same time collecting data pertaining to the research question.

Action research defining principles are process orientated, outcome driven and practice based, and engage the teacher and the student in a cyclical process with the material that is presented to them.

Action research requires participants to reflect upon their practice, plan an intervention within their teaching that integrates the core principles and issues of DE, implement the intervention, collect data on the effectiveness of the intervention, and capture their findings and document their findings. This informs practice in the coming year, when the intervention may be repeated from a similar or slightly different approach. It also informs other educators. Capacity building in action research is supported by the post doctoral researcher who provides backing in research design, implementation and data capture.

Within the first phase of funding, two calls for action research projects were circulated. From these calls, 23 action research projects and Development Education initiatives were undertaken by the 10 member post-primary initial teacher education institutions. A further 15 projects were implemented in academic year 2008-2009.