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Praxis and Axis: Theory as Practice in a Melanesian Case Study

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The Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research

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Abstract

This chapter reflects on methods used by an Australian participatory action practitioner to design and facilitate a process to explore and re-design the future model, functions, and program of a Papua New Guinean forest certification service, Forest Management and Product Certification Service (FORCERT). Throughout this nine-month process (2013–2014), guided by action research principles and applying appreciative inquiry, participants developed new skills and roles and enhanced their critical thinking skills. Our analysis has highlighted certain contradictory tensions, with real practice undercutting some ideal principles of action research. These challenges mainly arose from working in a different, Melanesian, cultural milieu—as hierarchical dispositions interrupted a fully participatory approach to determining the future of FORCERT—challenges that the practitioner responded to using a variety of constructive techniques.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank all the participants in the FORCERT action research project, specifically Cosmas Makamet and Peter Dam who gave significant feedback on an original draft and, likewise, the editorial team whose critique of the original greatly assisted in revisions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia

    Anitra Nelson

  2. Leanganook Yarn, Castlemaine, Australia

    Natalie Moxham

Authors
  1. Anitra Nelson
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  2. Natalie Moxham
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. School of Leadership & Education Sciences, University of San Diego, San Diego, California, USA

    Lonnie L. Rowell

  2. School of Education, Trent University, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada

    Catherine D. Bruce

  3. Education Department, Moravian College, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

    Joseph M. Shosh

  4. Center for Collaborative Action Research, Pepperdine University, Los Angeles, California, USA

    Margaret M. Riel

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© 2017 The Author(s)

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Nelson, A., Moxham, N. (2017). Praxis and Axis: Theory as Practice in a Melanesian Case Study. In: Rowell, L., Bruce, C., Shosh, J., Riel, M. (eds) The Palgrave International Handbook of Action Research. Palgrave Macmillan, New York. https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4_35

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/978-1-137-40523-4_35

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  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, New York

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-137-44108-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-137-40523-4

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

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