, RSE4801 Assignment 1
Due date: Due: Friday, 15 May 2026, 23:59
Becoming an Activist Researcher in Education in Times of Crisis
Educational research is very important in understanding how teaching and learning take place in
society. It helps teachers, learners, and communities to improve education. However, in today’s
world, education is facing many serious problems. These problems include different forms of crisis
such as genocide, epistemicide, ontocide, linguisticide, culturcide, and scholasticide. These are big
words, but they all describe ways in which people, knowledge, cultures, languages, and education
systems are being destroyed.
Because of these challenges, there is a need for a different type of researcher, known as an activist
researcher. An activist researcher does not only study problems but also works to bring change and
justice. This essay will discuss (1) what an activist researcher in education is, and (2) the role such a
researcher can play in times of crisis. The essay will use simple explanations and examples to show
how activist researchers can make a positive difference in education and society.
What Constitutes an Activist Researcher of Education
An activist researcher in education is a person who uses research not only to understand problems
but also to bring change in society. This type of researcher focuses on improving education for all
people, especially those who are disadvantaged. They are not only interested in theory, but also in
practical solutions that can make life better for learners, teachers, and communities.
Firstly, an activist researcher is committed to social justice. This means they believe in fairness and
equality in education. They want all learners to have equal opportunities, no matter their
background. In many societies, some learners are still disadvantaged because of poverty, race,
gender, or location. For example, learners in rural areas may not have the same resources as those in
urban schools. An activist researcher studies these inequalities and works to change them. According
to Freire (1970), education should help people to become free from oppression. Therefore, an
activist researcher uses research to challenge unfair systems and promote equality in education.
Secondly, an activist researcher listens to the voices of the people. They do not treat people as
objects of study, but as partners in the research process. This means they work closely with learners,
teachers, parents, and community members. They ask people about their experiences and include
their ideas in the research. This approach is important because it respects people’s knowledge and
lived experiences. Linda Tuhiwai Smith (2012) explains that research should not exploit or harm
communities but should benefit them. When people are involved in research, they feel valued and
are more likely to support positive change.
Thirdly, an activist researcher challenges dominant knowledge systems. In many cases, Western
knowledge is seen as more important than local or indigenous knowledge. This can lead to
epistemicide, which means the destruction of knowledge systems. Indigenous knowledge includes
local traditions, languages, and ways of understanding the world. An activist researcher works to
Due date: Due: Friday, 15 May 2026, 23:59
Becoming an Activist Researcher in Education in Times of Crisis
Educational research is very important in understanding how teaching and learning take place in
society. It helps teachers, learners, and communities to improve education. However, in today’s
world, education is facing many serious problems. These problems include different forms of crisis
such as genocide, epistemicide, ontocide, linguisticide, culturcide, and scholasticide. These are big
words, but they all describe ways in which people, knowledge, cultures, languages, and education
systems are being destroyed.
Because of these challenges, there is a need for a different type of researcher, known as an activist
researcher. An activist researcher does not only study problems but also works to bring change and
justice. This essay will discuss (1) what an activist researcher in education is, and (2) the role such a
researcher can play in times of crisis. The essay will use simple explanations and examples to show
how activist researchers can make a positive difference in education and society.
What Constitutes an Activist Researcher of Education
An activist researcher in education is a person who uses research not only to understand problems
but also to bring change in society. This type of researcher focuses on improving education for all
people, especially those who are disadvantaged. They are not only interested in theory, but also in
practical solutions that can make life better for learners, teachers, and communities.
Firstly, an activist researcher is committed to social justice. This means they believe in fairness and
equality in education. They want all learners to have equal opportunities, no matter their
background. In many societies, some learners are still disadvantaged because of poverty, race,
gender, or location. For example, learners in rural areas may not have the same resources as those in
urban schools. An activist researcher studies these inequalities and works to change them. According
to Freire (1970), education should help people to become free from oppression. Therefore, an
activist researcher uses research to challenge unfair systems and promote equality in education.
Secondly, an activist researcher listens to the voices of the people. They do not treat people as
objects of study, but as partners in the research process. This means they work closely with learners,
teachers, parents, and community members. They ask people about their experiences and include
their ideas in the research. This approach is important because it respects people’s knowledge and
lived experiences. Linda Tuhiwai Smith (2012) explains that research should not exploit or harm
communities but should benefit them. When people are involved in research, they feel valued and
are more likely to support positive change.
Thirdly, an activist researcher challenges dominant knowledge systems. In many cases, Western
knowledge is seen as more important than local or indigenous knowledge. This can lead to
epistemicide, which means the destruction of knowledge systems. Indigenous knowledge includes
local traditions, languages, and ways of understanding the world. An activist researcher works to
