Researchers as Thought Buddies: Examining a Research-Practice Partnership Through Design-Based Research

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 21
  In Roundtable Session: Partnerships Across Urban Contexts

Abstract

This research addresses the disconnect between the potential of youth powerful literacies and urban classroom practices. Using a design-based approach, two university researchers and a veteran high school English teacher formed a research-practice partnership (RPP) to study and iterate a curricular unit implemented in two 12th grade Journalism classes. Based on a Solutions Journalism approach to researching and advocating to solve local social problems, the unit facilitated students’ engagement in powerful literacies practices. Findings reveal that as collaborators, we became “thought buddies” - catalyzing the teacher to plan for future implementations and complimenting day-to-day implementation with research-informed perspectives. In addition to shaping the teacher’s practice and students’ learning, this study informs other RPPs aimed at empowering marginalized youth.

Authors

• Valerie Lieberman Marsh, University of Rochester

• Jayne C. Lammers, University of Rochester

• Elizabeth Conroy, Rochester City School District