Phases

=PHASES OF RESEARCH & ENGAGEMENT=

The order of the phases may vary according to the opportunities that arise during your project, and in any case these phases are overlapping and iterative. //Iterative// development means that you revisit the different phases in light of: > a) other people's responses to what you share with them, and > b) what you learn in other phases. This sequence and iteration allows researchers to define projects in which they you take your personal and professional aspirations seriously, even if that means letting go of preconceptions of what you “ought” to be doing.

The activities and tools under each phase are organized in relation to 14 "sessions," which could be weeks in a semester of a course or fractions of the total time available for the project.

A. Overall vision > Goal:I can convey who I want to influence/affect concerning what (Subject, Audience, Purpose).

B. Background information > Goal: I know what others have done before, either in the form of writing or action, that informs and connects with my project, and I know what others are doing now.

C. Possible directions and priorities > Goal: I have teased out my vision, so as to expand my view of issues associated with the project, expose possible new directions, clarify direction/scope within the larger set of issues, and decide the most important direction.

D. Component Propositions > Goal: I have identified the premises and propositions that my project depends on, and can state counter-propositions. I have taken stock of the thinking and research I need to do to counter those counter-propositions or to revise my own propositions.

E. Design of further research and engagement > Goal: I have clear objectives with respect to product, both written and practice, and process, including personal development as a reflective practitioner. I have arranged my work in a sequence (with realistic deadlines) to realize these objectives.

F. Direct information, models & experience > Goal: I have gained direct information, models, and experience not readily available from other sources.

G. Clarification through communication > Goal: I have clarified the overall progression or argument underlying my research and the written reports.

H. Compelling communication > Goal: My writing and other products Grab the attention of the readers/audience, Orient them, move them along in Steps, so they appreciate the Position I've led them to.

I. Engagement with others > Goal: I have facilitated new avenues of classroom, workplace, and public participation.

J. Taking stock > Goal: To feed into my future learning and other work, I have taken stock of what has been working well and what needs changing.

See also Processes and Tools Applicable Across More than One Phase.

[|Peter Taylor], [|Critical & Creative Thinking Program]