Action research, becoming and the assemblage: a Deleuzian reconceptualisation of professional practice

Abstract

This paper, following Somekh and Zeichner, offers a ‘remodelling [of] action research theories and practices in local contexts’. It is an attempt, with Kemmis, to address the question ‘what is to be done?’ and to consider the ‘place of action research’ in the light of what Schön has referred to as ‘the crisis of confidence in professional knowledge’. Following the lead taken by Amorim and Ryan, and through the animation of assemblage, becoming and other Deleuzian conceptualisations, this paper will describe and make further claims for an active re-constitution of some of the givens of action research. In doing so it will both acknowledge existing theoretical, practice-based and historical antecedents and offer possibilities for looking at and advancing theoretical and practice-based approaches to action research in educational and professional settings through Deleuzian and Deleuze-inspired lenses.

Keywords:

• collaborative writing
• inquiry
• diffractions
• intra-actions
• professional development
• becoming-professional

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the college lecturers who participated in this project for sharing in their inquiry.