OBSERVATION AS A RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR BUILDING LEARNING CONTEXT AND ENCOURAGING PARTICIPATORY PROCESSES

Abstract

This article highlights the importance of participant observation in schools. It describes the use of this strategy to generate and promote participation and inquiry processes in school sport, and build and shape learning contexts involving the educational community. In this respect, the objectives of the study are to describe the construction of learning environments that the use
of the strategy has encouraged and, to reveal the internal development of the strategy itself and describing the tools derived from it.

The research has been articulated through a methodological approach based on action research and within this, the dialogue has been a key issue in the construction of knowledge. In the study families, students, teachers, trainers and management team of schools of Biscay have participated: Resurrección M.ª de Azkue Ikastola (Lekeitio), Betiko Ikastola (Leioa) and Seber
Altube Ikastola (Gernika).

The results of the research show the participatory processes in the use of the observation and in the tools derived from this (field notes, categorical system, reconstruction of the meanings), and concludes emphasizing those aspects of learning (procedural level and affective-relational level) that participant observation generates about people involved in processes of change and educational improvement.