The I ACT methodology
The I ACT methodology is open ended, adaptable and flexible. You can choose whatever pedagogical approach you prefer and are comfortable with. However, I ACT lends itself particularly well to an inquiry-and action-based learning approach and for the teachers who would like to take this approach the “I ACT!” methodology has been developed.
Investigation→
Analysis→
Change→
Transfer→
It is a framework for the development of thematic projects rooted in concrete issues and aiming at concrete results. It has been designed with the aim to help teachers and their pupils to:
· Identify the issue(s) at stake· Find out more about it (them)· Work on solutions to meet the challenges of the issue(s) and eventually· Organise an action to reach out to demonstrate the chosen agenda for action.Investigation=Look into the overall pictureWhich are the main features or characteristics?What is predicted to happen?Is the scope of the issue the same everywhere?If not, what are the reasons for those differences?Analysis=Identify and focusWhich are the factors or elements behind the issueWhich aspect or feature should we focus on?Within this aspect, what can be done to remedy the situation?What is already done in this respect?Change= Develop an agenda for actionWhat actions do we favour?How can we make the right suggestions and to whom?How can our solutions have a true impact?What would stop our suggestions from becoming realities?Transfer= Reach out to promote the agendaWhere and when can we show what should be done?What is the best means of communication to do so?How can we involve as many people as possible?How can we ensure a long+term impact
The “I ACT!” methodology can be implemented with one class, a group of teachers around one class, a whole school and in complete partnership with peers in other countries.
It is meant to be a supporting tool for teachers who would like to integrate the notion of responsible action in their pedagogical approach. It offers a full package to those who feel the need to be guided and provides a flexible framework to those who consider themselves experienced enough to run their project.
Practically, teachers, who have to fit the project within their overall educational constraints, may not be able to complete the full sequence and in the suggested order. Nevertheless, the scheme should be perceived as a set of components that can help them develop a strategy that will open up the typical classroom work to a broader dimension with a true impact.
Supplementing the methodology, a practical guideline called I ACT@school and a set of concrete and field tested examples have been designed by the I ACT team to help teachers to implement and develop the action as well as possible.
