Participatory Action Research in Supporting HIV/Aids Infected and Affected Learners

Abstract

Contemporary teachers face demands, amongst others fulfilling the diverse and changing roles in their everyday practice. The current roles of teachers are to evaluate teaching programmes. However, teachers often feel ill-equipped to deal with the demands placed on them. Although teachers generally have the will and inclination to help children, they often feel they lack the necessary skills to effectively deal with challenges such as HIV and Aids in the classrooms, participatory action research might be the answer for teachers regarding providing the necessary support for the learners. It provides influence of stakeholders and a higher level of support for the implementation of research findings. It can also be seen as an integrated activity that combines social investigation, educational work and actions. Its goal is to work with stakeholders to generate knowledge in order to initiate change. This chapter offers several examples of how researchers and practitioners are using participatory action research to select effective practices and support strategies.