Leveraging Communities of Practice to Enhance Youth Participatory Action Research Facilitation

• In Event: Youth Participatory Action Research: Community of Practice, Catalyst for Resistance, Podcasting, Speculative Fiction, and Ownership

Abstract

Youth participatory action research (YPAR) is an anti-adultist approach to research that directly involves youth in the action research process. Authentic youth-adult partnerships are foundational to the progression and amplification of YPAR. This study examined a “community of practice” that supported adults in 1) addressing power imbalances between youth and adults and 2) contextualizing facilitation challenges. Qualitative data from a university-based research lab revealed key adult facilitation practices that supported adult engagement with youth: relationship building, power sharing, and critical dialogue and reflection. The findings highlight the importance of adult preparation in overcoming facilitation obstacles and sustaining YPAR partnerships. Future research will refine the process of preparing adults to facilitate YPAR to ensure the success of YPAR initiatives.

Authors

• Kayla Michelle Reist, University of Virginia

• Liz D. Nigro, University of Virginia

• Olivia Burke, University of Virginia

• Jessica V. Forrester, University of Virginia