2012 UCEA Convention

Participants:
Evaluating the Influence of Critical Social Theory in a Scholar-Practitioner Doctoral Program. Michelle Collay, University of New England; Peg Winkelman, CSU East Bay; Kyzyl Fenno-Smith, CSU East Bay
We describe evidence of the influence of critical social theory into the pedagogy of a doctoral program for “leaders for social justice.” What is the evidence of critical social theory in applied research of scholar-practitioners leading for social justice? Cammerota’s critical pedagogy tenets frame the analysis of scholar-practitioners’ social justice and equity stance in their topic, setting, methodology, and question. Their applied research reflects course prompts, literature and methodology grounded in critical social theory.

Sharing Action Research on Research Day: Student Perceptions of a Command Performance. Teresa S. Foulger, Arizona State University; Debby Zambo, ASU
In line with the conference theme this presentation will focus on leadership and empowerment, power being defined as a point of inquiry and knowledge sharing at a unique event called Research Day. Research Day is a “command performance” for doctoral students to share their action research studies. Students report the event develops their communication skills, use of collaboration, researcher identity, the ability to self-evaluate, and internal motivation. Findings have implications for instructors and program designers.

Utilizing Action Research in Ed.D. Programs for Educational Leaders. Karen F. Osterman, Hofstra University; Gail Furman, Washington State University
A survey of UCEA faculty indicates that, although the majority indicate their primary purpose is to prepare practitioners for their role as educational leaders and have positive attitudes towards action research, it is seldom used for the dissertation and lacks active support among faculty. Sources of resistance include a lack of understanding of AR and a perception that action research as a methodology fails to meet standards of good scholarship or provide opportunities for publication.