Freedoms Old, Freedoms New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

• In Event: Roundtable Session 101
  In Roundtable Session: Action Research: Insights From the Classroom to International Settings

Abstract

The paper discusses the need for indigenous forms of knowing to enable a previously colonised nation to reclaim its historical identity and shape its future through understanding of current practice. Drawing on the case study of Ireland, it is suggested that experiences of colonisation can lead to a form of learned colonisation, which can then lead to a self-perception as incapacitated, and can block social evolution; with especially alarming implications for current conceptualisations of the work of Irish teachers. Through supporting the action enquiries of teachers and publication of their reports, however, a new knowledge base is shown to have been created with transformational potential for the reconceptualisation of the teaching profession as influencing the development of brilliant new futures.

Authors

• Peter McDonnell, independent researcher

• Jean McNiff, York St John University