Day 1: What is Poverty

The episode is a comprehensive introduction to a course on solving poverty, covering topics such as the definition of poverty, its root causes, system analysis, portfolio of solutions, expert insights, the impact of poverty, reasons to address it, and practical steps individuals can take to contribute to poverty alleviation. It also introduces the MISO method of action research, emphasizing problem-solving, knowledge generation, and practical application of skills through media resources, expert interviews, surveys, and observations. The course encourages listeners to reflect on their skills and potential contributions to addressing the global challenge of poverty.

Summary

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Activity

During this course we will be using the MISO Method of Action Research.

• Action research is a collaborative and participatory research approach that focuses on addressing real-world problems and improving practices within a specific context. It involves systematic inquiry, reflection, and action taken by practitioners, researchers, or stakeholders to generate practical solutions and positive changes in their environment. Action research is characterized by its iterative nature, involving cycles of planning, action, observation, and reflection.

We are specifically using this method because it focuses on:

• Problem Solving: Action research allows practitioners to directly engage with issues they face in their work or environment, leading to practical solutions that address real problems.
• Knowledge Generation: Action research generates context-specific knowledge that may not be captured by traditional research methods. This knowledge is often valuable for localized decision-making.

There are four kinds of Action Research:

• Media: videos, audios, maps, articales, books, ect. During this course you will hear recommendations from myself and experts on media resources to research further.
• Interview: asking an expert. This course leans heavily into interviews with top experts in their field. Some lessons have been developed with the help of AI; however we will continue to update this course with expert interviews as those with knowledge come forward to contribute.
• Survey: using set questions with people who have knowledge on a topic or for general knowledge or opinions. During the lessons, stakeholders of these issues are discussed. I encourage you to actually talk with these stakeholders and ask them questions about how the problem effects them.
• Observation, Experiments, and Experience: using our surroundings or memories of being somewhere, or creating an experiment or simulation. Each lesson has an activity associated with it for you to begin mastering the information presented. These will ask you to make observations, experiment, or understand your own experience with the problem.

Your activity today is simple:

• What do you think this problem is?
• Why do you care about it?
• What skills and talents could you bring to help solve this problem?

Skill Lesson Mastered

Demonstrate mastery of the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson by applying it to the above activity. If, and only if, you have a full understanding and have mastered the knowledge and skills presented in this lesson, select the next lesson in the navigation.