Bridging Perspectives of adult literacy learners, providers and resea...

This workshop isabout participatory research approaches in Adult Learning and Education, basedon the example of a participatory research project in adult literacy education.The aim of participatory research is to enhance the knowledge of social realitiesand, in the best case, to initiate change (von Unger, 2014). Participatoryresearch is an integrated activity that combines social investigation,educational work and learning, and action (Tandon & Mohanty, 2005). We willgive an overview of our theoretical background (Transformative Learning Theory[Mezirow 2006, 2009, Taylor & Cranton 2012, Zeuner 2014]) and ourmethodological and empirical framework. We will look at the followingquestions: How can adult literacy education make social and cultural empowerment(Freire, 2007) possible and a reality? Can transformation and change inindividuals, societies, communities of practice and research be a result ofparticipatory research? What kind of impact can participatory research astrigger for transformative learning (sensu Mezirow) have on alllearners/researchers (adult literacy learners, adult educationprofessionals/providers and university-based adult education researchers),learning environments and learning processes? Finally, can participatoryresearch serve as a resource for advancement in adult literacy education?