Research team: Ralf St.Clair, Kathy Maclachlan and Stuart Hall, University of Glasgow, Lyn Tett and Vivien Edwards, University of Edinburgh
ISBN 978 0 7559 5943 3
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Contents
Final report
Executive summary
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Background to the research Purpose Previous work in literacies using practitioner-led enquiry Conclusion
Part One: Practitioner-Led Action Research as a process
Chapter 3. Methods Practitioner research process Recording the practitioner-led action research process
Chapter 4. Practitioner reflections and experiences Initial survey Second survey Interviews Discussion of practitioner reflections and experiences Conclusion
Chapter 5. Conclusion and recommendations
References
Part Two: Research Reports
Anniesland College: Using the Wheel CDROMBethany Christian Trust: How can learners be helped to become more aware of their overall progress?
Inverclyde - Common Sense: The possibilities for shared ILP processes across sectors
North Edinburgh CBAL/ CLAN: Addressing ILPs in an integrated literacy class
Scottish Borders: The Individual Learning Planning Process: A more positive experience?
South Lanarkshire: How Individual Learning Plans ( ILPs) impact on adults with learning difficulties
West Dunbartonshire: The ILP process and the Wheel CDROM
Practitioner-Led Action Research: A guide for practitioners and managers Guidance Booklet
Practitioner-Led Action Research: Information for practitioners and managers
Professional development through professional enquiry
When we first considered PLAR, we were interested in the knowledge outputs resulting from the research and how they would contribute to the partnership and partnership practitioners practice. We were unprepared for the hugely positive impact of the process on the participating practitioners and their colleagues in terms of developing an enquiring approach to practice:
"The research has given us a unique opportunity for self-directed learning, allowing us to constantly question our approach, evaluate our actions, review our progress and suggest new areas for research."
"We have spent four months looking at the journey our learners make and how we measure their progress. Yet we too can look back and measure our own distance travelled, particularly in terms of confidence in our own abilities."
"Considering our own experiences of Action Research, we would recommend that PLAR be used as a CPD tool for every literacies practitioner."
Alison Watson and Neil Gunn The individual learning planning process - a more positive experience? PLAR report