ERIC Number: EJ966420
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0965-0792
EISSN: N/A
What Does It Mean to Be a Friendly Outsider? Critical Reflection on Finding a Role as an Action Researcher with Communities Developing Renewable Energy Projects
Rogers, Jennifer; Convery, Ian; Simmons, Eunice; Weatherall, Andrew
Educational Action Research, v20 n2 p201-218 2012
This paper is a reflective account exploring the value of using action research in a relatively new context in the United Kingdom; the development of community renewable-energy projects. There is a strong rationale for using action research in this setting due to the synergies between the principles and practice of action research and localised renewable energy provision, which simultaneously aims to empower communities and address the complex social problem of climate change. A doctoral study of the development and impacts of community renewable energy projects using an action research approach provided an opportunity to assess the benefits and challenges of following this approach in this setting. Personal reflection on the research process is used to evaluate the outcomes for researcher and co-participants, and to identify opportunities for future application of action research techniques to improve understanding of how to develop community-based approaches to renewable energy provision and other sustainability issues. (Contains 1 figure, 1 table, and 2 notes.)
Descriptors: Action Research, Energy, Sustainable Development, Climate, Social Problems, Reflection, Foreign Countries, Researchers, Transformative Learning, Role, Doctoral Programs, Community Programs, Futures (of Society)
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Kingdom
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A