In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, we welcome Stephen Kemmis, Professor Emeritus at Charles Sturt University and one of the most influential thinkers in action research and educational theory. Stephen reflects on the origins and enduring stakes of action research, emphasizing its emancipatory potential in times of increasing bureaucratization of education. The conversation explores the role of teachers as critical agents, the relevance of practical wisdom (phronesis) in professional practice, and the philosophical foundations of his theory of practice architectures. Together, we discuss how practices are shaped by cultural, material, and social conditions—and what it means to take responsibility in a world where no one fully controls the structures we inhabit. The episode offers a philosophical inquiry into practice, transformation, and the ethical challenges of acting in uncertain times.

00:00:55 – Motivation and entry into action research

00:04:24 – Teachers as researchers & the meaning of “critical” in Becoming Critical

00:12:53 – What is at stake in action research today & risk of losing its critical edge

00:18:24 – Practical wisdom (phronesis) and the role of knowledge in practice

00:25:04 – Ethics, moral judgement, and how to act rightly

00:27:46 – Theory of practice architectures: foundations and purpose

00:32:33 – How practitioners can identify and challenge practice architectures

00:35:08 – Responsibility under conditions of uncertainty and limited control

Between Theory and Practice – Questions for Reflection:
How might the insights from this dialogue inspire your own practice? The following questions are intended to inspire further inquiry, whether explored individually or in conversation with colleagues, students, or peers.

1. Stephen Kemmis suggests that practices are shaped not only by what we do, but also by the cultural, material, and social conditions in which we act. Looking at your own professional practice, which conditions seem to support the kind of work you value, and which conditions might be limiting it? What small steps could you take—alone or together with others—to begin transforming those conditions?
2. If responsibility is not about having complete control, but about responding thoughtfully within the practices we inhabit, where do you see opportunities to exercise your own Response-Ability? How might your everyday actions contribute either to reproducing the status quo or to creating more sustainable, and meaningful ways of working and living?

Literature:

• Kemmis, S. (2022): Transforming Practices: Changing the World with the Theory of Practice Architectures. Singapore: Springer Nature.
• Mahon K., Francisco S., Kemmis S. (2017): Exploring Education and Professional Practice: Through the Lens of Practice Architectures. Singapore: Springer Nature.
• Kemmis, S. (2014): The action research planner: doing critical participatory action research. Singapore: Springer.
• Atweh W., Kemmis S. and Weeks P. (1998): Action Research in Practice. London; New York: Routledge.
• Carr, W. & Kemmis, S. (1986): Becoming Critical. Education, Knowledge and Action Research. London: Falmer Press.