My research
programme focuses around a set of interrelated methodological approaches
on the one hand, and on a continuing concern for social justice on the
other. It began with a basis in philosophy, especially feminist
philosophy, and a passionate concern for the ways that philosophy and
practice influence each other. As the programme developed, it has led to
a number of methodological commitments. An early interest in reflective
practice has evolved into a philosophically based commitment to methods
such as action research and self-study which pay close attention to
practice in particular contexts, and to the self of the researcher. My
early interest in feminism evolved into a more general interest in social
justice. Educational Research for Social Justice, argued that a
concern for social justice has methodological implications. One of these
is for collaboration and partnership. Accordingly, my own research is
increasingly collaborative and dialogical, as can be seen in my list of
publications. I am also refining my interest in the relationship of theory
and practice into an approach I call ‘practical philosophy’ using ‘little
stories’ (as opposed to ‘grand narrative’) and a range of modes of
communication (e.g. metaphorical, visual, narrative). These
methodological commitments have themselves been the subject of my research
interest.
Philosophy of Education
Social Justice
Feminism
Collaboration
Action Research and Self Study
Auto/biography and Personal Narrative
Other research including visual methods
and arts-based learning
