Complete thesis - Murdoch University

disciplines. The continuing challenge is how to draw on the expertise of scholarsto improve post-secondary education.A practitioner perspective on how the ‘work’ of the discipline is undertaken should also colourthe conceptual framework being developed. In terms of the cognitive change model above,these perspectives should influence both Thinking and Learning Tools. These have beendescribed in previous chapters (see Chapter 2).The value of incorporating this model is that it facilitates a ‘separation of concern’ betweenthe implementation of the intervention and strategies for evaluating its impact.5.1.3 Reflective activityFigure 5.3: A framework for double-loop learning (adapted from Hatten (1997))The learning taking place is not confined to the student participants in the research beingundertaken. The value of Action Research is its ability to focus on the researcher’s learningas a fundamental component of the context under investigation. The framework for doubleloop learning proposed by Hatten (1997) (see Figure 5.3) provides a basis for considerationof the researcher’s participation within each Action Research cycle – double loop learning isa theory of personal change that is oriented towards professional education. In this model,single loop learning is a characteristic of a stable context in which problem solving is patternedon proven solutions and previous experience (Argyris and Schön, 1974). Double loop learning,218