Kaambal: Children’s Multimodal Perceptions of Learning in Rural Public Schools in Yucatán

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 11:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Diversity in Play in Children's Storytelling

Abstract

This qualitative research study examined children’s perceptions of their learning experiences and preferences through multimodal expressions that included drawings and written and oral responses. We analyzed 887 depictions created by students in grades 1-6 attending four rural public schools in Mayan-speaking communities in Yucatán, México. Sociocultural theories of learning and a multimodal social semiotics lens informed our analysis that followed a content analysis approach. Findings indicate that students valued nurturing and pleasant learning spaces, collaboration and convivencia (a sense of togetherness) were the most meaningful aspect in learning experiences, opportunities to play and engage in art or creative projects was a preferred approach, and the support and help received from peers, teachers and family was substantial in children’s learning experiences.

Authors

• Adriana Alvarez, University of Colorado - Denver

• Daniela Brito Calderón, Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey

• Dafne Vergara Lozada, Centro de Investigación y Docencia Económicas

• Paula Cortina Bonnin, Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México

• María Elena Ortega Hesles, Independent Researcher