Blog 2 – Research Question
How can the awareness of cultural identity enhance collaborative learning experiences in higher education?
What is an ARP?
This was a question that was posed while embarking on my active research project (ARP). My first point was to define what is an ARP. This would enable me to approach my project with the correct mindset.
‘Action research is a term used to describe professionals studying their own practice in order to improve it’ (GTCW, 2002a, p. 15).
What did I want to improve? What were my students dissatisfied about? How can cultural awareness enhance collaboration?
Fig. 1. Questions inspired by blackboard display at LCC (Smith, 2025)
I will be using collaborative working cards as a vehicle to create a safe environment for students to collaborate and include their cultural values in discussions with their peers.
The aim of this research project is to illustrate social justice through action. The action will be designing a practical tool for students to support the enhancement of a collaborative learning experience.
Maslow’s (2007, pp3-4) theory principals are based on addressing the persons basic needs first. When you feel that you belong and are accepted, then you will thrive.
Green,(2024) speaks about the idea that when you are in a space of psychological safety it allows you to speak up and feel safe to be vulnerable. This is when learning and curiosity takes place.
Another theoretical framework that will support this project is Design Activism. Where design is used to address social, environmental and political issues. (Julier, 2013, pp.215 – 236.) The co -design of the cards will be pivotal to this project.
Fig.2. Quote by Charles Kettering (A-Z quotes, 2026)
According to Frost (2002, p. 25) an ARP is a process of systematic reflection, enquiry and action.
Devising a system is important for there are many components to this enquiry and clarity will be integral to my project.
Looking at the What? Why? and how?
Fig.3. Generating Critical Thinking (Norwich University of the Arts, 2024)
As seen in fig.2 and stated by O’Brien (1998), an ARP is learning by doing and what is interesting by this type of research is that if you are not satisfied you can try again. The idea that you can witness a cycle of development and an evolution of change will be interesting. During one of my workshops on the ARP course, my tutor highlighted the idea of an ARP not being linear and the spiral cycles of a project.
This is key for I have limited time allocated with students while working in Academic Support.
Fig. 4. O’Leary’s cycles of research (Koshy et al. 2010: 8)
O’Brien (1998) investigates into three types of research technical, practical and emancipatory. The technical and practical aspects of action research may be more in line with my project; however, my approach will be as a facilitator. My ARP will be led by the students, and I would like them to be considered as experts when interacting with each other.
Fig.5. Evolution of three forms of action research based on Habermas’s (1972) theory of knowledge-constitutive interests. (Jacobs, 2018, P.5)
Hammersley (2004, p.2) speaks about the internal contradictions of an ARP. They refer to Kurt Lewin a Social psychologist, he did not see AR as external agents, but democracy was an important element. Social justice and equity are embedded into my project.
References
A-Z quotes (2026). Charles Kettering Quote. [online] A-Z Quotes. Available at: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/574150 [Accessed 5 Jan. 2026].
Frost, P. (2002) ‘Principles of the action research cycle’, in Ritchie, R., Pollard, A., Frost, P. and Eaude, T. (eds Action Research: A Guide for Teachers. Burning Issues in Primary Education, Issue No. 3, Birmingham: National Primary Trust, pp. 24-32.
Green. A. (2024). A list of questions to explore how safe a space is. [online]
General Teaching Council for Wales (GTCW) (2002b) Continuing Professional Development: An Entitlement for All, Cardiff: GTCW.
Hammersley*, M., 2004. Action research: a contradiction in terms? Oxford Review of Education, 30(2), p.2
Julier, G., 2013. From design culture to design activism. Design and Culture, 5(2), pp.215-236
Koshy E, Koshy V, and Waterman H (2011) Action research in healthcare. London: Sage.
McLeod, S., 2007. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Simply psychology, 1(1-18), pp.3-4.
Norwich University of the Arts (2024). Critical thinking – Norwich. [online] Norwich
O’Brien, R. (1998). An overview of the methodological approach of action research. In R. Richardson (Ed.), Theory and practice of action research. Retrieved 08.13.2016 from http://www.web.ca?-robrien/papers/arfinal.html.
Substack.com. Available at: https://lineandhoney.substack.com/p/a-list-of-questions-to-explore-how?r=u7fjz [Accessed 8 Jan. 2026].
University of the Arts. Available at: https://library.norwichuni.ac.uk/study-skills/critical-thinking-2/ [Accessed 5 Jan. 2026].
Image References
Fig.1. Questions inspired by blackboard display at LCC (Smith, 2025)
Fig.2. A-Z quotes (2026). Charles Kettering Quote. [online] A-Z Quotes. Available at: https://www.azquotes.com/quote/574150 [Accessed 5 Jan. 2026].
Fig.3. Norwich University of the Arts (2024). Critical thinking – Norwich. [online] Norwich
Fig. 4. Koshy E, Koshy V, and Waterman H (2011) Action research in healthcare. London: Sage.
Fig. 5. Jacobs, S.D., 2018. A history and analysis of the evolution of action and participatory action research. The Canadian Journal of Action Research, 19(3), p.5