Lewin and the wave an action research promoting social change

This study was conducted between November and December 2008, a period of time marked by the highest expression of the student movement known as "the Wave". Beginning with the observation of the lack of involvement of first-year students studying Sociology at a large University in southern Italy, it was decided to conduct an action research to promote more participatory behaviour in students in their first year at university. To this end, Lewin’s action research was integrated with peer education in a particularly useful and coherent added strategy promoting the principles of democratic participation. Sixteen peer educators participated in the research along with a total of 168 students divided into two subgroups, of which only one was involved in the education of their peers. After 23 days, both of the subgroups were evaluated on two separate occasions using an ad hoc questionnaire; over this period of time, just one of the subgroups (N=94) participated in the activities of peer education. The data obtained were analyzed by hand through frequential and categorical analysis, without the use of software. For subjects who had been involved in the peer education experience, the results showed an increase in the degree of awareness of, and personal involvement in, the Wave movement.

Ida Galli, Debora Sommella, Roberto Fasanelli, Carmela Franzese, Lewin e l’onda. Una ricerca-azione nell’ottica del mutamento in "RICERCHE DI PSICOLOGIA " 1/2010, pp 71-93, DOI: 10.3280/RIP2010-001005