About SPIRAL

History

SPIRAL is a Victorian network that formed in 2002. It was initiated by ALARA (then ALARPM (Action Learning, Action Research & Process Management Association) which joined with the local Action Research Issues Association and the Action Research Program at Swinburne University to hold a Research-in-Action Symposium at Borderlands at the Augustine Centre in 2002. This was attended by 90 people, of whom around 20 people determined to continue meeting as a network.

SPIRAL is now made up of around 300 people interested in all the different ‘strands and streams’ associated with the action research (or ‘critical constructivist’) paradigm – as indicated by its inclusive name S•P•I•R•A•L — Systemic• Participatory• Inquiry• Research• Action• Learning.

Modus operandi

Members meet every monthly or so as a ‘community of practice’ for a seminar, workshop or other activity. They also receive regular e-Newsletters of emailed information about relevant activities or events, including ALARA events, conferences and World Congresses.

From 2005 the monthly meetings have been held in various focal places for action research activity including the Education Faculty at Victoria University, Workplace Learning Initiatives, Borderlands, the Collaborative Centre for Business Innovation and the Centre for Health & Society at the University of Melbourne.

Auspice & funding support

SPIRAL is auspiced by the Action Research Issues Association and has received modest funding support from the ANZ Philanthropic Trustees.

Organising Group

In 2008 the co-convenors are Bill Genat and Jill Sanguinetti, Yoland Wadsworth is e-Newsletter editor and Barbara Bok is webmistress. The fifth member of the organising group is Jacques Boulet.

Filed under Uncategorized |