Educational Remarks for the Action-Research Method

Action-research, as stated by Kurt Lewin, shows a double feature: on the one hand, it tends to the scientific knowledge of social systems; on the other hand it aims to transform them. The research activity can this way become valuable because it produces changes and not only a mere collection of scientific knowledge. The concept of “change” gives a direction for the definition of the parameters as to evaluate the results of the research. Change is intrinsic to action-research as self-reflexive enquiry for improving practices, and for understanding the contexts in social situations. The aim of action-research is to improve the active and responsible participation of subjects.