63.087-6 - Cultivating Democratic Spaces in Education: Eliciting Children's Voices Using Multimodal Approaches

• In Event: 63.087 - Sheraton Roundtable Session 11 - Grand Centre

Session Type: Roundtable Session

Abstract

In a climate of increasing political suppression, children’s participation in democratic processes are devalued. Children’s voices are increasingly subjugated by classroom management, standardized curricula and oppressive amounts of homework. A concerted effort must be made to create new and developed democratic spaces within education. Attempts to improve school democracy and pupil participation have reflected the international movement for children’s rights and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989). The time has come to engage in new methods that invite dialogue and critical reflection with children in order to enrich education and citizenry. This roundtable session will present emerging multi-modal approaches to research with children of diverse ages and backgrounds.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Critical Perspectives on Early Childhood Education

Chair

• Marni Binder, Ryerson University

Papers

• Talking to Young Children About Race: A Critical Look at Drawing With Children - Rachel Carson Berman, Ryerson University

• Accessing the Views of Children: Semistructured Conversations - Tiffany Barnikis, York University

• The Use of Dolls for Play-Based Research With Young Children - Donna Koller, Ryerson University

• Kids in Motion: Rethinking Inclusive Classrooms for Optimal Learning - Coralee Mae McLaren, Ryerson University