Science is simply common sense at its best, that is,
rigidly accurate in observation, and merciless to fallacy in logic. - Thomas Huxley
The Common Sense Process has Four Steps
Step one
LOOK .... Develop a common definition of the situation using the lens of the problem that has to be solved. The definition of the problem is based on the views of all the stakeholders and the constraints of possible solutions.
Step two
THINK .... Deepen the common understanding of the "situation" and identify possible interventions.
We are looking for ways to act that will create the most effect in the least time at the lowest cost. We don't look for "big idea" fixes. A simple idea that works now, is better than a "big idea" that never gets implemented.
Step three
ACT .... Based on what we figure out from Looking and Thinking, pick the lowest hanging fruit, to get demonstrable results.
What exactly that will mean in any particular situation is impossible to tell. We look for the strengths and build on those,
and eventually the weaknesses tend to be crowded out or solved.
Step four
EVALUATE and go back to Step one
Since there is no Santa Claus or magic bullets, it's important to evaluate whether the intervention worked. There are no perfect solutions. If it did pretty well, how can we make it more effective? If it didn't, why not and how can we can we make it work better, next time?
The approach is based both on teaching practice and on the applied research of Community Based Action Research and the theory of Communication Ecology. It is especially informed by the work of Ricardo Stuart Morse as described in his unpublished PhD Thesis, Community Learning: Process, Structure, and Renewal'' , 2004.