"I Have an Opinion!" Using Youth Participatory Action Research and Multimodal Tools in an After-School Program

• In Event: 34.061 - Participatory Action Research: Creating More Democratic, Participatory Approaches to Teaching and Learning

Abstract

After-school programs serve as a way to enhance student learning while incorporating non-traditional means of instruction and activities. Applying youth participatory research and sociocultural theory as our theoretical framework, this paper examines the collaboration between middle school and university students in an after-school program. Co-construction of knowledge, meaning-making, and agency exploration took place through active learning and critical reflections. Four main themes are presented: (1) students' development of literacy skills; (2) the use of multimodal tools and activities; (3) co-construction of knowledge; and (4) students' development of confidence.

Authors

• Tairan Qiu, University of Georgia - Athens

• Chioma Nneamaka Kas-Osoka, University of Georgia - Athens

• Ruth Harman

• Jason D. Mizell, University of Georgia - Athens