1. What is the PAR process? Dr. Marina Stock McIsaac - Arizona State University

2. Action Research Cycle (write this title on top of page ___) 1. Think about the problem 2. What is the question you want to answer? 3. Plan ways to get the answers

3. 4. Do fieldwork to improve your understanding of the problem. 5. From the answers generate an imaginative idea of what to do to change and improve. 6. Action. put ideas into practice. 4. 5. 6.

4. The PAR cycle From: Yoland Wadsworth *What is Participatory Action Research? November 1998* Stop & reflect on current situation Raise a question Plan to seek answers “Fieldwork” intensive seeking of answers Reflection (analysis) Think of new action

5. STEP 2 Examples How can we get more youth jobs? How do we stop the MBTA from raising prices? How can we get sex education into our school? How can we get youth to eat healthier?

6. Step 4 Examples Interviews Diaries Video/audio Surveys Participant observations Use of data from published work

7. Advantages of Methods Increases feelings of participant ownership. Increases likelihood that data will be used. Participants develop skills and confidence; feel empowered.

8. A successful PAR project needs… Trusting relationships among members must be developed. Training about research methods, data collection, and analysis must be provided. Good organizational structure to support the work team. A reliable facilitator to coordinate the process. (Guest organizers and I will supply the training.) (YOUR attendance is a MUST!) (Strong facilitators will receive extra credit)