Chapter ONE INTRODUCTION
This report covers the Practitioner-Led Action Research project sponsored by the Learning Connections Division of the Lifelong Learning Directorate of the Scottish Government, in spring and summer of 2008. Most of the information in Part One of the report addresses what has been learned about PLAR as a process, and the individual projects dealing with Individual Learning Plans are included in Part Two.
The project gave rise to many valuable insights about PLAR, both as it fits within the Scottish literacies field and more broadly. Overall, the research team feel optimistic about the potential of PLAR to contribute to practice and to professional development, but we also recognise that the form of employment for practitioners is important to consider. PLAR is not a one-time, shot in the arm strategy, but rather a long-term commitment to the future of individual practitioners and to the field.
This investigation into PLAR - and the seven very interesting research projects it supported - could not have been possible without the commitment, humour and talent of the practitioners involved. The research team would like to thank them for their willingness and flexibility during the project, as well as the wisdom that will continue to have an impact on the field for some time to come. They would also like to acknowledge the assistance and support of organisations and line managers in making this process viable in the first place.
The research team would like to thank the project advisory group, who were an important source of support and ideas. Finally, the research team would like to mention their appreciation for the support of Fiona Macdonald and John Leavey at Learning Connections, for always being willing to ask the pertinent questions.