Individually-Based Capacity Building: Using action research in a two-stage reform model internationally

Abstract

Educational reform demands human capacity building. Action research (AR), the capacity building process discussed here, has been used over a decade as the key process underpinning capacity building in (a) a longitudinal project in Bhutan and (b) an international leadership development project in teacher education. Both projects used a similar two stage model: (a) learning about AR, and (b) implementing a self-chosen AR project. Key features of this model are (1) learning taking place over time, (2) individual choice of project and (3) pressure and support. Overall, the findings indicate that the use of the individualised model has built capacity. The paper discusses some key issues from this re-analysis including the key components of the model, capacity building and reform, individually-based capacity building, being culturally sensitive, and system development. The individually-based capacity model is presented as a complementary model to those centrally determined and enacted reforms.