As I prepared for our second class I was hesitant to make an entry to the “Professional Journal” knowing I had not been able to physically volunteer or interact with group members. Bray’s article on collaborative inquiry helped me evaluate my role as a project participant. Viewing collaborative inquiry as a “cycle of reflection and action based on lived experience” became important when I understood Mezirow’s observation of reflection as “cognitive action”. The background reading, research foundation, grant outline, classroom introduction and volunteer preparation have made the beginning of the class a good laboratory for the implementation of cognitive action that will inform further discussion, reflection and action within our groups. I can honestly say that I enjoy the cognitive action piece of preparing for a project; and reflecting on experiences during project implementation will be more productive because of our preparation.
In simpler terms, because I live in a small town East of the mountains, I can’t really participate with the group. But I learned that thinking about our studies and communicating with the group about plans and activities means that I can participate as I find connections and meaning through our readings.
No comments:
Post a Comment