Who defines innovation in education? Participatory action research and organisational learning

Bibliographic Data

ID21600697
AuthorsMartina Ukowitz (0000-0002-8111-5285, University of Klagenfurt, corresponding author)
Year2023
Volume31
Issue2
Pages366-383
Publication date2023-03-15
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueEducational Action Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0965-0792 • E-ISSN: 1747-5074
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/09650792.2021.1944245
OpenAlexW3184911681
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited21

Against the background of multifaceted societal challenges, the question of adequate future-oriented conceptualisations of education arises. Multiple stakeholders have raised demands for change and expectations of innovation in education are high. The topic turns out to be diffuse, bulky, and complex: What is innovative education? How can it be realised? These 'big questions' proved important for the participants in the inter-organisational initiative Educational Lab Carinthia. As the Lab sees itself as a regional promoter of innovation, it intends to offer new education formats and to develop innovative concepts and projects. Although the members of the Lab emotionally share the vision of 'innovative forms of education', a closer look reveals insecurities. The article describes how participatory action research (PAR) can initiate a discourse on the meanings of 'innovative education'. It reflects on both the opportunities and risks of PAR processes in these specific conditions. It explores the Lab members' experiences and provides literature-based theoretical orientation. PAR has turned out to be an approach that does not guarantee a breakthrough but strongly supports the Edu Lab's development towards a reflective education innovation system. From this point of view, the question of 'innovation in education' appears as a matter of organisational learning

Action research · Citizen journalism · Engineering ethics · Participatory action research · Pedagogy · Political science · Responsible Research and Innovation · Sociology · Engineering · Higher Education Practises and Engagement · Innovative Approaches in Technology and Social Development · Innovative Education and Learning Practices

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