Empowering Students Placed at Risk: Giving a Voice to Those Who Go Unheard

• In Event: 43.038 - Participatory Action Research: Empowering Student Voices Through the Lens of Critical Pedagogy

Abstract

The voices of students placed at risk are often overlooked by policymakers and city officials who hold the responsibility of adequately providing for this population. Such youth are rarely given the opportunity to voice their opinions about community concerns that directly affect their daily lives. Photovoice is a participatory action research method that provides a platform for individuals to express their thoughts and feelings about societal issues while engaging in their community. This Photovoice project provided students attending the Advancement Academy, an alternative school in New England, the opportunity to actively engage in a Day of Service within their community; an engagement that empowered them to bring about some of the positive change they desire to see within their community.

Authors

• Xiaoxia A. Newton, University of North Carolina Charlotte

• Shanna Rose Thompson, University of Massachusetts - Lowell

• Leah Ferullo

• Bangsil Oh

• Jill Hendrickson Lohmeier, University of Massachusetts - Lowell