Course organizers:
Action Research Action Learning Interest Group (ARALIG)
Wageningen University – Environmental Science Group and Social Science Group
Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resource Management and
Livelihoods Research School NRML
Roskilde University – Department of Environmental, Social and Spatial Change


Lecturers, speakers and facilitators:
Professor Nadarajah Sriskandarajah (Swedish University of Agric Sciences, Uppsala)
Professor Kurt Aagaard Nielsen (Roskilde University Center, Denmark)
Dr. Hans Peter Hansen (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala)
Professor Cees Leeuwis (Wageningen University)
Dr. Cony Almekinders (Wageningen University) – [to be confirmed]
Associate Professor Arjen Wals (Wageningen University)
Dr. Erika Bjureby (Greenpeace, Amsterdam) – [to be confirmed]

Coordinators (for contact):
Janwillem Liebrand (PhD candidate Wageningen University):
e-mail: Janwillem.Liebrand@wur.nl
Riti Hermán Mostert (graduate Wageningen University and Manchester University):
e-mail: ritihermanmostert@gmail.com
Cristian Alarcon Ferrari (PhD candidate Swedish University of Agric. Sc., Uppsala):
e-mail: Cristian-Alarcon.Ferrari@sol.slu.se

• The first purpose of the workshop is to discuss to “politics” of action research. The ultimate goal of action research is to change practices, for example (policy) steps to deal with climate change. But what to do when certain actors do not want to change practices, and are unwilling to co-operate in a joint learning/ social learning research project? How do you position yourself as a researcher? When does research and scholarly activism become missionary work? The goals of action research and how to change power relations are central to this theme.
• The second purpose of the workshop is to learn more about creative methods for Action Research. ARAL is based on the assumption that actors can, and know how to express themselves. But what if people cannot speak freely due to existing power relations. How can you creatively ensure that people express themselves? How to get actors involved in an action research and social learning project? And what are challenges in dealing with power relations within the use of creative methods for action research?
• The third purpose of the workshop is to link early stage researchers (PhD students) with experienced researchers to discuss ARAL experiences and critically reflect on its use in own and others research situations. In addition, the workshop provides a learning experience by visiting to an organization that assists rural communities to articulate their own “village development plans”.