Method
The sustainable learning community takes a qualitative approach to community
development using participatory action learning and action research (PALAR). This
approach can be used to resolve problems, develop more resilient organizations, more
facilitative leaders and more engaged people (Dick, in press). It also aligns closely with
talanoa approaches advocated by Pacific researchers (Otsuka, 2006; Vaioleti, 2006) in
that both PALAR and talanoa approaches promote capacity building and address
issues identified by community members. The following terms are intrinsic to our
approach: