Well, congratulations to all those whose abstracts have been accepted.... There will be an exciting group attending the conference in Port Elizabeth. SO those of you that have accepted abstracts... shout it out loud... please comment on this posting.
A few reflections on the Action Research experience at NMMU
ReplyDeleteWhat a 'wonderful presence of embrace' we experienced throughout the grand scholastic adventure at the Action Research Conference in the welcoming environment of NMMU. The Jack, Jean and Joan Action Express was steaming with collaborative life-enhancing energy whistling with people at work. We gained confidence in our fledgling capacities as presenters in an arena of research that promises to re-define what constitutes knowledge in the Universities of the future.
We saw the lights of connectivity flash strongly in the diverse presentations and were encouraged to identify the life-enhancing patterns that nourish collective ways of thinking. The emphasis on reflective practice was evident and will surely be carried forward by the participants in an even bolder fashion now that we have returned to our work spaces both locally and internationally.
The spirit of inquiry floated strongly over the deliberations encouraging the participants to critically assess their own practice as teacher-researchers. I found that the collaborative conversations taking place in the refreshment breaks were particularly stimulating and provided opportunities to network and plan interactions with scholars from other institutions.
A highlight was the initiation of the African Research Network that provides a forum to continue the conversations and allows much opportunity for sharing values and life affirming energies. The notes and video clips related to the conference posted by Jack Whitehead on various sites, including YouTube, provide a valuable resource for self-improvement and give a confidence boost to those participants on display.
Shall I ever forget the journey to and from the Conference in a panel van with little legroom but a great heart. How we enjoyed the excursion into Grahamstown having breakfast while donkeys foraged in the warming winter sun.
The Conference has succeeded in reducing what lies beyond my 'conceptual horizon'.
My Own I (Moi in Italian)
In much appreciation
Mikhail Peppas