Youth Participatory Action Research in U.S. Public Schools: Case Studies of Two Teachers

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Qualitative Research Perspectives on the Roles of Students and Teachers in the Social Contexts of U.S. Public Schools

Abstract

An increasing number of teachers are implementing youth participatory action research (YPAR) in core academic classes in U.S. public schools. To date, most academic studies of YPAR have focused on university researchers working with youth in non-traditional settings. Their experiences may not transfer to public school teachers implementing YPAR without robust university partnerships. Therefore, research is needed focusing on teachers implementing YPAR in core public school classrooms. My study captures the experiences of two public school teachers who implemented YPAR with their students, illuminating successes as well as barriers they encountered. The findings raise important questions for YPAR advocates promoting YPAR as a pedagogical approach in schools, while providing guidance to teachers looking to do this work.

Author

• Christopher John Buttimer, Harvard University