Participatory Action Research: Institutional Change in Higher Education Through Student-Led Grassroots Initiatives for Transfronterizo Students

• In Event: Crown Plaza Roundtable Session 2
  In Roundtable Session: Action Researchers, Explore! Participatory Action Research, Cooperative Inquiry, and Collaborative Writing to Challenge and Transform Educational Practice

Abstract

The purpose of this participatory action research study was to support grassroots student-led initiatives to create an inclusive campus environment for transfronterizo college students at a four-year university in San Diego, CA. A total of 15 stakeholders participated in this study, 11 transfronterizo college students, and four faculty and higher education professional allies. Data was collected through a cyclical approach in four different phases consisting of one-on-one interviews and focus groups. The grassroots student-led initiatives were implemented through a student organization created by transfronterizo college students. The themes shared from the experiences of the participants in the student organization were: 1) having a safe space, 2) a sense of validation and 3) a sense of community on-campus.

Author

• Vannessa Falcon, San Diego State University