Practicing youth participatory action research for school equity: A pedagogical model

Abstract

The application of emancipatory pedagogical methods such as youth participatory action research may serve as a valuable practice for addressing educational inequity. This article presents educational leaders, teachers, researchers, and youth advocates with a description of applicable pedagogical methods that comprised the implementation of a youth participatory action research seminar at the middle school level. The authors describe a seminar that incorporated tenets of critical pedagogy and radical healing to maximize student engagement and enhance the impact of student voice in a project to expand school equity. Also provided is a course outline highlighting topics covered and activities implemented throughout the 12-week seminar. Important considerations and lessons learned are also discussed.