Noriyuki Inoue, Ph.D. University of San Diego

1. Infusing Non-Western Epistemology into Action Research:A way of embracing complexity of mind and situation Noriyuki Inoue, Ph.D. University of San Diego

2. Practice and Culture • Complexity of modern society and culture • Practice improvement in complexity • Practice is embedded in the increasingly complex culture and values • Explicit and implicit cultural assumptions often define the practice • The cultural assumptions can favor the practice, but can also limit the practice • What should we do to go beyond the “gridlocks”?

3. Action Research and Culture • Action research as cultural activity • Cultural assumptions can define the research activity • Action researchers could be captured in the cultural assumption • Explorations of new cultural assumptions and wisdom can empower action researchers • Examples • Practitioner • Community • Social justice • School reform

4. Non-Western Epistemology • East Asian Epistemology • Different from linear, deductive and confrontational way of knowing • Assumption of complexity and dynamic understanding of reality • Self as a part of the social, cultural, and physical context • Reflection and compassion

5. Practice-linked Cultural Concepts from Japanese culture • 思い (omoi) • Integrated form in thinking, feeling and passion that serve as driving force of an individual or a group • 場 (Ba) • Communicative space for deepening understanding and building consensus characterized by bounded instability • 反省 (Hansei) • Reflection on one’s moral obligation and duty • 絆 (Kizuna) • Enduring bond built among colleagues, friends, and family • 匠 (Takumi) • Sophisticated skill built on advanced wisdom and experiences

6. Cultural terms that Japanese Educators use • 発問 (Hatsumon) • Initial, rich open-ended questions • 机間巡視 (Kikan jyunshi) • Individual problem solving as teachers walk between desks • 練り上げ (Neriage) • Consensus building for deepening understanding • まとめ (Matome) • Summarizing and applying the learning

7. For Development of AR Critically examining one’s cultural assumptions and values with researchers around the world Exploration of non-Western values and perspectives Epistemological diversity and flexibility for empowering the local practice

8. Thank you! inoue@sandiego.edu