Joy, Liberation, and Creativity as Frameworks for Educational Research

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

K-12 educational practices and settings that strive to promote equity and inclusivity are under constant attack. Hence, exploring how to creatively envision education as liberatory and joyful is an urgent need in our current political landscape. Research in this vein is equally necessary for spotlighting the ways educational settings tap into students and teachers strengths as well as their dreams for the future. In this interactive panel discussion, we have brought together scholars whose research foregrounds joy, creativity, and liberation for all. We aim to examine researcher positionality, methodologies that center joy and creativity, and the challenges and triumphs that shaped their professional trajectories.

Sub Unit

• Division C - Learning and Instruction

Chairs

• Barbara Thelamour, Swarthmore College

• Helenrose Fives, Montclair State University

Participants

• Justin A. Coles, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Grace D. Player, University of Connecticut

• Joanna N. Ali, North Carolina State University

• LaShawn Faith Washington, University of Texas at Austin

Session Organizer

• DeLeon Gray, North Carolina State University