“Listen in the cracks:” A conversation with Professor, and action researcher, Marie Brennan

Abstract

What do career trajectories in action research (AR) look like? As early career researchers, we trace the five-decade AR career journey of a seasoned action researcher Marie Brennan in this article. First, the article provides a snapshot of Marie’s journey as action researcher throughout her changing roles as educator and researcher in the education, government, and academic sectors. Next, it discusses practical ways to develop as an action researcher, such as how to convey AR approaches to stakeholders, apply AR in different domains of practice, and find effective questions that addresses shared problems before it moves on to advice from Marie to all action researchers. The article concludes with critical reflections from the interviewers about how they see Marie’s ideas manifesting in their current work. Marie’s experiences demonstrate that AR career path is not linear. Her insights illuminate the importance of openness to growing as action researchers in whatever domains of practice by engaging in deep listening and action-oriented inquiry with the communities to tackle shared problems and co-create hope.