In evolutionary biology, ecology, and diverse disciplines across the human sciences, there is a long tradition of conceptualizing places of scientific interest as “field sites” for research and understanding. Sometimes, perhaps often, this has resulted in scientists studying human communities from the outside in.
In OpenEvo, we think about the concept of field sites differently. We work to advance a community-based model of field site research that is useful for all humans involved in school improvement and/or sustainable development.
At every level of organization, individuals and groups can freely choose (or not) to think of themselves as a field site for understanding and improving valued outcomes.
Anytime we adopt a view of seeking to understand and improve the human systems around us, we can be said to be engaging a field site mindset.