Cooperative inquiry for learning and connectedness

Abstract

There has been rising concern about the disconnect between universities, their communities, and society at large. These are of special interest to professional schools, whose missions are founded on connecting practice and theory. We argue that Cooperative Inquiry, an action-based methodology, can help foster connectedness and contribute to healing the university-society schism. Doing this requires more than mere replication of the methodology; it entails engaging in dialectics with practitioners, a process which is mediated both by democratic aspirations and claims of authority. We share our experience working with social change practitioners on collaborative research about leadership, highlighting the dialectics and implications for academics wishing to capitalize on cooperative inquiry for connectedness.

Chemoentrepreneurship with Cooperative Integrated Process Inquiry Strategy to Increase Students' Entrepreneurial Interest and Learning Motivation

“…Nevertheless, the limited time allotment prevented them to convey their opinion since it took longer time to boost their confidence. This is in accordance with research by Ospina (2008), that the activities can improve students' confidence in the learning process done in groups.…”

Seeking Wholeheartedness in Education

“…CIs have had an impact in empowering and fostering transformation in education and other arenas of social change (see Douglas, 2002; Ospina, El Hadidy, & Hofmann-Pinilla, 2008; Osterhold, Husserl Rubiano, & Nicol, 2007; Rosenwasser, 2002; Summers & Turner, 2011). The scope of those engaging in CIs is wide, though the practice is not as yet widespread.…”

Cooperative Inquiry in Human Ecology: Historical Roots and Future Applications

“…The Research Center for Leadership (RCLA) in Action in the Robert F. Wagner School of Public Affairs at New York University partners with social change organizations, leaders, and communities in participatory research projects around the world (Aprill et al, 2006;Ospina, Hadidy, & Hofmann-Pinilla, 2008). RCLA completed CI research projects in a variety of areas, including experiences of people of color leading movement-building organizations and the transformative power of community art.…”

“…In community-university partnerships between academics and practitioners, Ospina et al (2008) discuss how CI presents an opportunity for overcoming previous challenges faced by professional programs that integrate theory and practice.…”