This process journal is my attempt to apply the Permaculture Design Process with the Action Research Process from my learning at the Critical and Creative Thinking Graduate Program at the University of Massachusetts Boston (CCT) program. I am integrating these two processes to design a synthesized practical framework to transform my underused backyard into a “local wildlife-inclusive Suburban Outdoor garden.”
Every weekend, I will log in to the week process: my reflection, dialogues, experiences, and obstacles. This Process Journal mainly serves as my first cycle of Action Research, where I test out my design and actions. After this first cycle, I will evaluate what works and requires further modification before introducing this framework/method to my neighbors.
I will provide some CCT tools: Mind mapping (it is enjoyable!), 6 Thinking Hats (simple critical and creative thinking tool), SCAMPER (a fun way to come up with ideas), KAQF (looks complicated, but once you get the handle of it, it is straightforward to evaluate and develop our plans and design), Plus and Delta Feedback (this is a very efficient technique to gain feedbacks), and of course, this Process Journal (write down what happened, what we observed, what we think of, etc. The process journal is a place to collect and gather our information so we can evaluate what works and what needs to modify.)
I will include some photos that I take with the view of bird feeders. Collect the data on what species of birds and other small mammals visit my garden.
The Winter in Northern New Jersey is not easy. We will have many snow and ice storms throughout this season. However, this is also the time for reflection and preparing for the Spring and Summer seasons. 🙂
Hope you will enjoy this process as much as I do. Thank you.