IS PEDAGOGICS BASED ON THE THEORY OF ACTI ON IN NEED OF A RESEARCH METHOD OF ITS OWN

The author critically examines the claim that a pedagogy based on the theory of action (BENNER) needs to develop research methods of its own . He tries to show that qualitative social research is able to fulfill essential prerequisites of action-theoretical pedagogics - accounting for the perspective of the persons concerned, openness/interminabilit y of the research process, changes in the human practice in the intera ction with those concerned - and to provide appropriate methods within the framework of qualitative research designs. In this context, the i mportant distinction between research design (e.g., action research de sign) and research method (e.g., narrative interview) is often neglect ed. Thus, if pedagogics as action theory is meant to become effective in the field of research it is necessary to intensify the dialogue wit h qualitative social research.