Participant Action Research (PAR) for early childhood and primary education: the example of the THRIECE project
Participant Action Research (PAR) for early childhood and primary education: the example of the THRIECE project

Summary/Abstract: This paper explores the potential benefits of Participant Action Research (PAR) for early childhoodand primary education. It presents the example of the Erasmus+ funded THRIECE (Teaching forHolistic, Relational and Inclusive Early Childhood Education) project, and drawing on the reflectionsof its participants, supports PAR as a respectful, inclusive, relevant approach to educationalresearch that can lead to deep personal and intercultural learning. It highlights the importance of embracingthe ‘messiness’ of action research, and allowing its non-linear complexity to enhance bothprocess and outcomes. It explores the potential of PAR to allow for investigation of and value for theembodied, tacit knowledge and understandings of expert educators, supporting continuous developmentof practice and providing the language for educators to explain their approaches. Finally, itidentifies the crucial nature of a relational approach for the success of Participant Action Research.

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