Learning from Mixed Methods Participatory Action Research with Latine Young Adults: Insights for Educational Researchers

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Sunday 1:45 pm - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Applying Mixed Methods for Understanding Experience, Action, and Organizational Change in Higher Education

Abstract

This paper details a novel mixed method, participatory action research (PAR) with Latine adolescents attending a Hispanic-serving institution. It draws from our mixed methods, PAR project examining the role of higher education contexts in supporting Latine youths' academic success as well as racial/ethnic identity, critical consciousness and self-concept development. This project centers these same young adults as co-researchers. Drawing from this project, the paper will provide a broad overview of the methods, demonstrating how combining photovoice (n=15) and student-led survey methods (n=383) provides a deeper understanding of student experiences in context and how those nuanced experiences inform their developmental processes. This project demonstrates the possibilities of mixed methods research in imagining a higher education system that better serves Latine students.

Authors

• Kevin Ferreira van Leer, University of Connecticut

• Amber Michelle Gonzalez, California State University - Sacramento