Infusing Non-Western Epistemology into Action Research: A way of embracing complexity of mind and situation

1
Infusing Non-Western Epistemology into Action
ResearchA way of embracing complexity of mind
and situation

• Noriyuki Inoue, Ph.D.
• University of San Diego

2
Practice and Culture

• Complexity of modern society and culture
• Practice improvement in complexity
• Practice is embedded in the increasingly complex
  culture and values
• Explicit and implicit cultural assumptions often
  define the practice
• The cultural assumptions can favor the practice,
  but can also limit the practice
• What should we do to go beyond the gridlocks?

3
Action Research and Culture

• Action research as cultural activity
• Cultural assumptions can define the research
  activity
• Action researchers could be captured in the
  cultural assumption
• Explorations of new cultural assumptions and
  wisdom can empower action researchers
• Examples
• Practitioner
• Community
• Social justice
• School reform

4
Non-Western Epistemology

• East Asian Epistemology
• Different from linear, deductive and
  confrontational way of knowing
• Assumption of complexity and dynamic
  understanding of reality
• Self as a part of the social, cultural, and
  physical context
• Reflection and compassion

5
Practice-linked Cultural Concepts from Japanese
culture

• ?? (omoi)
• Integrated form in thinking, feeling and passion
  that serve as driving force of an individual or a
  group
• ? (Ba)
• Communicative space for deepening understanding
  and building consensus characterized by bounded
  instability
• ?? (Hansei)
• Reflection on ones moral obligation and duty
• ? (Kizuna)
• Enduring bond built among colleagues, friends,
  and family
• ? (Takumi)
• Sophisticated skill built on advanced wisdom and
  experiences

6
Cultural terms that Japanese Educators use

• ?? (Hatsumon)
• Initial, rich open-ended questions
• ???? (Kikan jyunshi)
• Individual problem solving as teachers walk
  between desks
• ???? (Neriage)
• Consensus building for deepening understanding
• ??? (Matome)
• Summarizing and applying the learning

7
For Development of AR

• Critically examining ones cultural assumptions
  and values with researchers around the world
• Exploration of non-Western values and
  perspectives
• Epistemological diversity and flexibility for
  empowering the local practice

8
Thank you!

• inoue_at_sandiego.edu