Asian American Youth as Critical Researchers

• In Event: Asian American and Pacific Islander Lived Experiences and Their Impact on K-16 Education

Abstract

Utilizing critical multiculturalism as a theoretical framework, the purpose of this action research explores the lived experiences and the engagement of four poor/low-income Chinese American youth in a Chinese American history after-school program located in New York City’s Chinatown. This study is presented in a qualitative case study which draws its data from participation observation, reflective journal, individual interviews, focus groups, and document analysis.
Implications for practice indicate the significance for schools and community-based organizations to understand the lived experiences of Chinese American youth in order to develop culturally relevant teaching practices and critical multicultural education. Implications for theory suggest that Asian American youth’s voices can expand critical multiculturalism and provide critical insights for changing curriculum and pedagogy for all.

Author

• Judy W. Yu, REACH®: Research. Educate. Aspire. Change. History.®