Participatory Action Research Research Articles

Co-creation and application of a framework for the de-prioritization of urban communities during insecticide-treated bed net mass campaigns for malaria prevention and control in Kwara State, Nigeria

BackgroundMalaria continues to be a major cause of illness and death worldwide, particularly affecting children under the age of five and those living in high-burden countries like Nigeria. Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) are one of the effective interventions for malaria control and prevention. In response to funding constraints in the Global Fund Grant Cycle 7, Nigeria’s National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) aimed to develop an approach that maximizes the impact of limited malaria interventions by focusing on areas with the greatest need. We developed an urban LLINs distribution framework and a novel strategy, which was piloted in Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State.MethodsA participatory action research approach, combined with abductive inquiry, was employed to co-design a framework for guiding bed net distribution. The final framework consisted of three phases: planning, data review and co-decision-making, and implementation. During the framework’s operationalization, malaria risk scores were computed at the ward level using four key variables, including malaria case data and environmental factors, and subsequently mapped. A multistakeholder dialogue facilitated the selection of the final malaria risk maps. Additionally, data from an ongoing study were analyzed to determine whether local definitions of formal, informal, and slum settlements could inform community-level stratification of malaria risk in cities.ResultsAkanbi 4, a ward located in Ilorin South and Are 2, a ward in Ilorin East consistently had lower risk scores, a finding corroborated during the multistakeholder dialogue. A map combining malaria test positivity rates among children under five and the proportion of poor settlements was identified as the most accurate depiction of ward-level malaria risk. Malaria prevalence varied significantly across the categories of formal, informal, and slum settlements, resulting in specific definitions developed for Ilorin. Thirteen communities classified as formal settlements in Are 2 were de-prioritized during the bed net distribution campaign.ConclusionsThe framework shows promise in facilitating evidence-based decision-making under resource constraints. The findings highlight the importance of stakeholder engagement in evaluating data outputs, particularly in settings with limited and uncertain data. Enhancing surveillance systems is crucial for a more comprehensive approach to intervention tailoring, in alignment with WHO’s recommendations.

Enhancing Cultural Value Propagation in Lanna Artisan Patterning through Educational Intervention in Northern Thailand

Lanna craftsmanship, renowned for its intricate patterns and deep cultural significance, faces challenges due to globalization, urbanization, and declining interest among younger generations. This research explores how intervening Lanna artisan techniques into extra-curricular activities in secondary school influences students' skill development in traditional craftsmanship, enhances their sense of cultural belonging, and fosters the creation of culturally authentic and innovative product designs. This participatory action research (PAR) involved collaboration between three local artisans as experts, 12 educators, and 25 students from four schools to develop and implement a culturally responsive intervention. The results showed changes in students' patterning skills, cultural belonging awareness, and product design outcomes. These changes developed different enhancements of students' cultural propagation, including transformation in their perceptions of cultural arts, expansion of their cultural literacy, development of their responsibility and commitment to cultural preservation, and renovation of cultural sustainability and community impact.

Floristic Survey of Agroecosystems of Nampula Research Station

Objective: The objective of this study is to identify the flora existing in Nampula Agricultural Station, specifically identifying all plant species existing in the surrounding area and classifying them according to their uses. Theoretical Framework: Plant species can be classified according to their use: timber, ornamental, edible, fruit, medicinal, shade and also toxic. From a landscaping/ornamental point of view, plants can be divided into trees, shrubs, climbing plants, palm trees and cycads, herbaceous plants, bedding plants, lawns, aquatic plants, succulents, flowering plants and bromeliads. Ethnobiological studies are important for the conservation of species and cultural heritage in threatened urban spaces. In the species identification system, various identification materials are used, including physical manuals and software. Good identification material should be useful to anyone without any knowledge of botany, easy to use, capable of identifying plants at any stage of growth, tolerant of observable errors, useful in the office as well as in the field and have regularly updated information. Method: The Study was carried out at the Institute of Agricultural Research of Mozambique (IIAM) – Northeast Zonal Centre (CZnd), Nampula Research Station (PAN), Mozambique. The methodology adopted for all species was participatory action research and direct observation, that is, field and/or exploratory research which consisted of random walks through the agronomic station and direct identification of them. For herbaceous plants, one part was identified in the field and another was collected for identification in the laboratory using WIKTROP software and field manuals. Results and Discussion: The results obtained reveal that 37 analyzed plants were grouped into 5 categories and groups (timber, ornamental, medicinal, fruit and shade plants). As a result, ornamental species are the majority of plants found in the PAN (30), followed by medicinal and shade species, with 19 and 18, respectively. Finally fruit trees and timber trees with 11 and 7 trees each. As for herbaceous plants, a total of 20 (twenty) species and 11 (eleven) families were identified. The results of this research make it possible to understand the floristic potential of the place, as well as to know the herbaceous species (weeds and weeds) for their conservation and combat within agricultural ecosystems. One of the major limitations of the study has to do with the seasonality of the species, as well as the lack of adequate instruments for their identification. Research Implications: This study is very important and has great implications for agricultural research since once the species existing in agroecosystems are known, it will allow the researcher to better plan his production and testing area, as well as define the priorities of species to be produced. The study can cover several areas of research and knowledge, involving areas such as the environment, agriculture and livestock. Originality/Value: This study represents the initial milestone in surveying the flora of the Nampula Agricultural Station, which will culminate in the publication of a book and/or compendium of all identified species for future consultation, as well as a field guide. The data obtained in this research can be used as reference material for other researchers, students and the general public. The biggest focus is on identifying herbaceous plants and weeds, which will greatly impact agroecosystems.

Strengthening women’s economic empowerment: The post-COVID re-opening of the weekly market through participatory action research and deliberative forums in western Nepal

The haat, an open-air traditional marketplace, provides small farmers with access to markets where they can sell their products. These economic spaces are particularly important for women farmers, whose access to distant markets is limited amidst persisting gender-based constraints including mobility restrictions and security concerns. Beyond direct economic benefits, haats also serve as social spaces for women to connect with other farmers and exchange information. However, one such market (haat), operating twice a week in Sandhikharka, Arghakhanchi district for the past four decades, was closed during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained closed even after other restrictions were lifted. This prompted our participatory action research team to investigate the causes and consequences of its prolonged closure and to facilitate efforts to reopen it. In collaboration with the local government, the research institution organised deliberative forums where relevant stakeholders collectively identified the key constraints to reopening the haat and developed strategies for its revival. Ongoing efforts are focused on institutionalising the haat and ensuring its sustainable operation. In this paper, we outline the process followed and share insights generated from the research and engagement conducted during the reopening effort. Women smallholder farmers have expressed their appreciation for the reopening, noting that the haat is crucial not only for securing better prices for their produce but also for significantly reducing the challenges of selling their products elsewhere, while encouraging further economic activities and contributing to their economic empowerment.

Developing the occupational well-being of health care educators in Estonia and Finland – community-based participatory action research

PurposeThe study aims to evaluate the occupational well-being outcomes of the Community-based Participatory Occupational Well-being Intervention for Educators among health care educators.Design/methodology/approachThis study was a community-based participatory action research with pre-test–post-test design, including a year-lasting occupational well-being intervention in the work communities of two higher education institutions for health care in Estonia and one in Finland. Data were collected from Estonian (N = 196) and Finnish health care educators (N = 42) at the pre- and post-intervention by an electronical survey. The intervention included an online occupational well-being course and community-specific development plan, and actions carried out by the Occupational Well-being Development Teams formed in each work community. Data were analysed statistically.FindingsPersonal occupational well-being increased in each work community (post-test median 4, scale 0–5) although statistically significant differences were not found. Satisfaction with the occupational well-being development activities increased, especially in the Finnish work community (pre-test mean 2.5, SD 0.8; post-test mean 3.2, SD 1.2, p = 0.005). The study found some increase in certain aspects of occupational well-being in relation to the development actions.Practical implicationsThis intervention can act as a facilitator in community-level occupational well-being development but requires a longer period to make the changes visible. Although the results of this study cannot be directly generalized, the intervention and good practices conducted can be utilised in the development of occupational well-being in education at national and international levels.Originality/valueThis study adds information to this understudied area of intervention research on promoting health care educators’ occupational well-being.

Powering the pluriverse: Possibilities and limits to decolonial energy transitions in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico

In the face of the genocidal and ecocidal trajectory of climate change and “green” climate change solutions, overcoming the coloniality embodied in energy regimes is of the utmost importance. Because energy regimes are co-constitutive of power structures, energy transitions present opportunities to challenge and transform power structures of domination into more liberatory configurations of power. Through a situated analysis of the Energía para yeknemilis project, which is executed by the Union of Cooperatives Tosepan Titataniske in the Sierra Norte de Puebla, Mexico, we argue that energy transitions can articulate decolonial praxis. Based on eight months of collaborative participatory action research involving a researcher of European descent and the project's team of investigadores comunitaries sentipensantes, we make two contributions to the literature concerned with energy transitions and decolonial praxis. First, we provide empirical evidence to substantiate decolonial critiques of environmental, climate, and energy justice. Second, we propose that the Energía para yeknemilis project challenges the coloniality present in most of the current energy transition discourses and “green” transition projects. To do so, we discuss how the project contributes to constructing an Indigenous-led and rural energy regime oriented towards achieving energy sovereignty and realizing yeknemilis / xatlaan latamaat, which are local articulations of Buen Vivir. We also analyze some of the possibilities and limits to decolonial transformations in the Sierra Norte de Puebla that the Energía para yeknemilis project illustrates to strengthen the project and provide reflections for others struggling towards energy regimes that sustain life and power Indigenous self-determination and flourishing.

Negotiating sociolinguistic justice: turning spaces of inequality into spaces of conscientization

Abstract This introduction to the special issue Negotiating Sociolinguistic Justice: Turning Spaces of Inequality into Spaces of Conscientization focuses on how sociolinguistic research can be reimagined as a tool for activism and social intervention. The authors advocate for research that not only describes language-based inequalities but actively intervenes to address them by engaging communities in participatory processes. Inspired by Paulo Freire’s concept of conscientization, this special issue explores ho w spaces can be created for researchers and participants to engage in critical reflection on linguistic injustices, investigate their socio-political roots, and mobilize for collective change. Grounded in the action-research project EquiLing, conducted across various sociolinguistic contexts in Spain – including Madrid, Galicia, Catalonia, and the Basque Country – this special issue examines the role of language in the (re)production of social inequalities, manifesting differently across regions. These inequalities include the exclusion of immigrant languages, non-standardized language varieties, and minoritized languages such as Basque, Galician, and Catalan, as well as the misrecognition of their speakers, resulting in their limited participation in social institutions. In four articles, the authors illustrate how conscientization spaces integrate participants’ voice and agency – from university students to youth in sports clubs – to critically reflect on the roots of language-based inequality and mobilize toward counteraction. Each article explores a different stage of the conscientization process, from raising awareness of inequalities to exploring structural causes to mobilizing for action. The issue also examines how research committed to sociopolitical transformation extends beyond academic boundaries, requiring partnerships with social collectives and activists at all stages of the research. This involvement poses significant challenges to epistemological, methodological and policy frameworks, which in turn raise ethical concerns. Addressing these challenges requires rethinking who has the right to produce knowledge and developing approaches that foster collaborative engagement with co-participants and stakeholders. This approach adds a political dimension to research, which in turn poses new challenges, particularly with regard to the impact of transformative action, and requires critical reflection on the social responsibilities of researchers and the power dynamics inherent in research practices. Ultimately, it requires navigating ethical complexities related to participants’ agency and authorship. This special issue highlights the potential of participatory action research to promote sociolinguistic justice and aims to contribute to the ongoing debate on how to effectively address these challenges. Together, these contributions provide a roadmap for future research that seeks not only to understand linguistic inequalities but also to transform them through collective action.

Improving the Competency of Junior High School Teachers Through Training and Mentoring in STEM-Based PBL Model

A deficit in teachers' skills and knowledge in designing innovative technology-based learning can impact student learning outcomes. This community service aims to provide training on designing learning using the STEM-based PBL model for teachers at SMP Negeri 18 Palu, Central Sulawesi. This program involved 40 SMP Negeri 18 Palu teachers and was conducted in July 2024. Utilizing a participatory action research approach, this program included material presentations, interactive discussions, and assignments assessed through questionnaires, observation sheets, and assignment sheets. The questionnaires were distributed before training activities, observation sheets were used during training and mentoring activities, and assignment sheets were distributed immediately after the discussion ended. The outcomes of the questionnaire showed that 100% of teachers analyzed learning outcomes and learning objectives before designing the lesson, 90% of teachers were familiar with PBL, 45% of teachers had designed learning using the PBL and implemented it, 10% of teachers had mastered PBL syntax and 100% of teachers had never designed learning with a STEM and combining it with PBL. The observation results were that 100% of teachers in each group played an active role, helped each other and worked together to complete assignments, established good communication with fellow teachers in their groups, and had a high level of responsibility in completing their group assignments. The assignment results show that 100% of teachers succeeded in designing learning using the PBL learning model and integrating it with a STEM approach. This community service’s success suggests a continued need for similar training efforts in designing STEM-based PBL models. Expanding workshops to facilitate the implementation of STEM-integrated PBL models in learning is also necessary.Top of Form

The Effect of Lean Hospital Practices on Nurses' Direct Care Activities: Time and Motion Study.

This study investigates the effects of lean management practices on nurses' direct patient care activities and the interruptions they encounter in healthcare settings. The literature indicates that lean management enhances efficiency and improves patient care. Increased nursing time per patient correlates with better outcomes; however, rising patient loads and frequent interruptions hinder nurses' ability to deliver effective care, jeopardising patient safety. Addressing these inefficiencies is essential, given nurses' critical role in ensuring quality care. Using a single-centre, observational, pre-post time and motion design alongside participatory action research from August 2019 to July 2022, the study included three phases: a survey assessing nurses' views on problem-solving and lean management; observations identifying nurses' activities and interruptions; and focus group discussions. The results presented here are from the observation phase, with 34 nurses from surgical, internal medicine, and mixed services participating. Quantitative variables were expressed as means, standard deviations, and significance was assessed at a 95% confidence interval (p < 0.05). Observations in 2019 (324 h) and 2022 (314 h) revealed that nurses dedicated a significant portion of their time to direct patient care, which increased post-lean implementation (surgical: 50.67%, internal: 50.09%, mixed: 44.38%). Waste rates decreased by 35.81%, and documentation time decreased by 23.55%. Overall interruptions also decreased significantly (p < 0.05). Lean management effectively reduces waste and improves direct patient care time, enhancing patient safety and care quality. Continuous improvement initiatives in nursing practices are essential for success.

'"Health" Is Just One Piece in the Puzzle of Wellbeing': Shifting From Preventing Health Deterioration to Improving Wellbeing in a Participatory Action Research Project With Care-Experienced Older People.

Prevention of health deterioration is a key policy objective in Sweden informed by active and healthy ageing initiatives. However, the perspectives of older people with mobility and health limitations on current prevention initiatives are seldom gained meaning these initiatives may fail to align to with the priorities of people whose health has ostensibly already deteriorated. We aimed to explore older care-experienced people's perspectives on the topic of health deterioration prevention and highlight aspects that they think are important to prioritise. Eight older people with experience in giving or receiving formal or informal care were involved as lay co-researchers in a participatory action research project that involved recruiting 11 further older informants to participate in peer interviews or complete a logbook. In a series of 13, 2-h workshops held over 1 year, we undertook data generation, training, reflection and analytic activities inspired by framework analysis. The lay co-researchers found the topic of health deterioration to be negatively and narrowly focussed opting instead to pursue a focus on articulating aspects, or puzzle pieces, that influence the improvement of wellbeing. Six influential puzzle pieces (stigma, digitalisation, services, losses, meaning and interactions) were regarded as important to prioritise which together illustrated that wellbeing is continually shaped in an interplay with dominant, but manipulable, social norms. This study highlights how the language of active and healthy ageing, which pervades policy and practice, is imbued with ageist and ableist subtexts that can influence older people's wellbeing and lead to exclusionary experiences in society. We highlight wider societal trends, particularly digitalisation and effectivisation, whose negative impact on older people's wellbeing could be mitigated through inclusive co-design and resistance to normative influences. This project was initiated in dialogue with stakeholder representatives from pensioner organisations in a larger scale participatory action research project. The care-experienced lay co-researchers collaborated in all phases of this project-gaining funding, formulating research questions, planning the study design, generating data in peer interviews, analysing and interpreting data, disseminating findings, prioritising future research and co-authoring articles.

Designing and maturing the OKRA-Compass for Breaking Bad News in the German pediatric oncology setting: A Participatory Action Research study

Designing and maturing the OKRA-Compass for Breaking Bad News in the German pediatric oncology setting: A Participatory Action Research study

Participatory Evaluation of ‘&lt;i&gt;Irorunde&lt;/i&gt;’, A Prototype Drum Oven for Traditional Fish Smoking in Nigeria: A Case Study of Knowledge Co-Production and Inclusive Innovation

In Nigeria, traditional fish smoking methods predominantly utilize firewood as an energy source, which presents sustainability challenges. Improved fish smoking techniques face low popularity owing to considerable obstacles hindering adoption by fishers involved in fish smoking and development by inventors. This study explored the benefits, challenges and social acceptance of a modern drum oven prototype by fisheres engaged in fish smoking. Against this backdrop, Participatory Action Research (PAR) was conducted using a prototype kiln using carbonized biomass briquettes (CBB) in traditional fish smoking drum ovens. Fishers involved in fish smoking performed evaluations of the prototype, and their perceptions regarding the characteristics of innovation were utilized to assess their willingness to adopt the prototype. The WhatsApp platform was used to share information and promote peer-to-peer learning. The PAR and evaluations by the fishers led to improvements in the design, construction and performance outputs of the prototype. The fishers agreed that CBB was economical and was a cleaner energy source, facilitating social acceptance and the adoption of the prototype as a substitute for the local drum. The portable size, quality and aesthetic structure also contributed to the adoption of the prototype. In conclusion, the prototype became a socio-economic tool that has encouraged the use of CBB in fish smoking with improved financial and health benefits of the fishers engaged in fish smoking. Local technologies must incorporate inclusive innovation and gender-responsive approaches to facilitate implementation and adoption, thereby improving benefits and well-being of the fishers.

Enhancing maternity healthcare workers’ wellbeing using insider participatory action research

BackgroundGood healthcare worker (HCW) wellbeing positively impacts service user outcomes, yet the United Kingdom (UK) National Health Service (NHS) is suffering workforce burnout and retention issues. While urgently needing evidence-based wellbeing strategies, participatory interventions using positive psychology have been under-investigated. We aimed to develop a caring, collegial NHS labour ward environment wherein HCWs created paths to enhancing individual and collective workplace wellbeing.MethodsInsider Participatory Action Research (IPAR) used positive psychology within a social constructionist, pragmatic approach. All clinical and non-clinical HCWs on a consultant-led labour ward in the East Midlands, England, UK were invited to identify current sources of workplace wellbeing on which to collectively construct future ways of working. Qualitative data from several methods (below) were inductively thematically analysed.ResultsBetween October 2018 and July 2020, data were generated from 83 paper and 13 online questionnaires; 59 interviews; three action groups; six peer participant reviewers; 16 comments on data displays; and three emails. Three themes represented sources of workplace wellbeing: emotional, professional, and physical nourishment. Culture shifted to be more compassionate and inclusive, and morale, positivity, and atmosphere improved. Ways of working changed. Colleagues more proactively cared for each other, worked well together in teams, expressed thanks and feedback, and instigated interventions for colleagues’ and women’s welfare. Participants proposed that IPAR activities prompted change including: the researcher being considered an accessible colleague wellbeing resource; raised awareness of the importance of HCW wellbeing; and strengthened HCW relationships. The HEARS wellbeing intervention model (HCW driven, Everyone involved, Ask what makes a person feel good at work, Responses displayed, Steps taken) was developed to frame processes by which HCW participation catalysed impact towards workplace wellbeing.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first English language study using IPAR to enhance HCW wellbeing. Colleagues from diverse occupational groups improved individual and collective wellbeing through self-determined action. Using participatory methodology and positive psychology encouraged a more compassionate and inclusive culture. Subject to implementation research evaluating these strategies’ impact in different settings, we propose the HEARS wellbeing intervention model and workplace-based Colleague Support Volunteers as actions towards wellbeing and retention in healthcare organisations.

Facilitating Intersectional Identity Development Among Latina Adolescents Through Critical Inquiry Groups

Using a qualitative case study approach, this study explored how critical inquiry groups, small youth facilitated forums, facilitated the ethnic-racial identity development of Latina adolescents. We highlight how critical inquiry groups helped to position Latina youth as active agents and knowledge keepers of their lived and learned experiences as they make meaning of their ethnic/racial memberships. This study utilized data from an educational intervention called ¡Orgullosas y Poderosas!, a 14 session youth participatory action research program designed to nurture the identity development and strengthen the civic/political capacity of Latina adolescents. A total of nine Latina California high school youth ( Mage = 16.5) participated. Using thematic analysis, we identified (a) how critical inquiry groups served as a vehicle for Latina youth to explore their cultural practices, histories of resistance, and tensions within the broader Latinx community; and (b) how critical inquiry groups encouraged Latina youth to develop identities that express cultural pride, an awareness for the social injustices their group have faced, and a desire to enact social change for their ethnic/racial community. By focusing on Latina youth, this research aims to inspire the (re)imagination of how to design transformative learning and community spaces that operate from a frame of intersectional justice.

Spaces of conscientization as a bridge between inequality and contestation

Abstract The EquiLing project aims at contributing to sociolinguistic justice by understanding language-mediated social inequalities and facilitating the conditions through which to challenge and transform these situations. In order to do so and following a Freirean approach and a Participatory Action Research methodology, we created conscientization spaces in two university sites in Bilbao and Madrid. In these conscientization spaces, researchers and students (or co-participants, as we term them here) engaged collaboratively in group dynamics to develop critical sociolinguistic awareness and foster transformative actions to challenge the sociolinguistic inequalities within each context. Students, when sharing these experiences, often evoked the external spaces they transit through in their daily lives, in which they faced situations that show lack of recognition, unequal distribution of resources and/or participation. Space appeared as a key element in the articulation of their narratives and experiences due to it usually being configured and constructed through hegemonic (in our case, sociolinguistic) ideologies and practices, which can leave speakers falling outside this normativity in situations of sociolinguistic injustice. In reaction to this, in our conscientization spaces, we (researchers and co-participants) have challenged these dynamics interactionally in joint reflection and practice by cultivating a safer space. In this sense, we have tried to foster counter-hegemonic practices in our spaces, facilitating in some cases a bridge to other spaces. This has shown that space is a central element in the configuration of a sociolinguistic order and that it is dynamic, socially constructed, and in continuous transformation, which also creates possibilities for resistance.

The nonbinary god: Disaggregating spirituality and Christian religiosity among nonbinary Black womxn (NBBW).

This study examined how 11 nonbinary Black womxn (NBBW) in the United States experience and distinguish between spirituality and religion using an endarkened Black feminist decolonial paradigm and an Afro-Indigenous eco-womxnist cosmological theoretic framework. Data were from Project NBBW, a community-based participatory action research project led by Black sexual and gender minority womxn community members and researchers. We conducted individual semistructured interviews and examined participant's qualitative responses to the following research inquiry: How do NBBW perceive their relationship to spirituality and religion? Participants were 11 NBBW, aged 21-30, living in the United States. Participants identified as spiritual, not religious (n = 5); spiritual and religious (n = 4); and neither spiritual nor religious (n = 2). Using interpretative phenomenological analysis, we coconstructed six themes across participant responses. Themes about Christian religion specifically were as follows: (a) I was raised in the Christian tradition, (b) the "shoulds" of a "Black woman," and (c) oh, I'm going to do whatever I want because who did whatever they want? Jesus. Regarding spirituality, the themes were as follows: (a) God … you lowkey nonbinary, (b) in constant communication with both the universe and my ancestors, and (c) what would I have believed if we weren't colonized? Implications inform decolonial counseling practice and training, advocacy, and research for NBBW that untethers spirit(uality) from Christian hegemony. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).

Empowering Educators through SoTL: Insights and Innovations from Real-Time Audience Engagement

The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) is a conceptualisation of the teaching role in higher education that can transform academic understanding and practices by incorporating research as integral to teaching - an evidence-based and theoretically informed approach to teaching. Moreover, SoTL involves the systematic study of teaching and learning processes with a singular goal: improving educational practices and, most importantly, enhancing student outcomes. It is a form of research that holds transformative power, not only in how we teach but in how we elevate student learning to its fullest potential. This study explored the perceptions of academics related to SoTL and what supports would empower uptake and advocacy of SoTL. This was accomplished by engaging HERDSA keynote attendees through real-time audience polling. Guided by a participatory action research (PAR) approach, data were gathered in an online format (Mentimeter) from 263 participants during the keynote, responding to 10 questions related to SoTL, institutional challenges, and future action. This study highlights key areas where educators seek clarity and offers insights on how HERDSA can support its membership by addressing SoTL barriers, enhancing collaborative networks, and fostering continuous professional development. The implications of these findings extend to HERDSA’s potential role in shaping the future of SoTL practices and empowering its members to advocate for SoTL within their institutions.

Exploring the Perceptions of Cannabis Use Among Indigenous Youth in Manitoba Through Their Lived Experiences, Photovoice and Indigenous Research Methodologies: A Research Protocol

Introduction: In light of the increasing prevalence of cannabis use among Indigenous youth in Manitoba, Canada, this study seeks to address a critical gap in research by leveraging Indigenous methodologies and perspectives. The legalization of cannabis in Canada, intended to reduce juvenile use, has not fully achieved its goal with youth, particularly Indigenous youth who experience heightened exposure and associated risks. This research aims to illuminate the lived experiences of Indigenous adolescents. Methods: The study will recruit 20 Indigenous youth in Manitoba with experiences of cannabis use using snowball and purposeful sampling methods. Integrating community-based Indigenous research methodologies and frameworks: community-engaged scholarship (CES), participatory action research (PAR), Indigenous knowledge (IK), community-based participatory research (CBPR), photovoice, open-ended interviews, and storytelling. By centering Indigenous knowledge systems and engaging directly with the youth, the study aims to develop a nuanced understanding of their motivations, cultural and community influences, and the impact of cannabis use on their lives. Indigenous methodologies ensure that the research process is respectful, culturally sensitive, and beneficial to the community. This approach honors traditional knowledge and facilitates meaningful dialogue between researchers and participants. Anticipated Results: The analysis will employ a modified constructivist grounded theory (MCGT) approach. This methodology will involve an inductive data analysis to identify patterns, categories, and themes that emerge directly from the data. The results will be systematically organized using NVivo software. Researchers will code the transcripts openly to identify recurring themes, patterns, and potential subthemes and then structure them into a coherent framework. Discussion: By incorporating the unique perspectives of Indigenous youth, the study aims to inform evidence-based strategies more aligned with their specific needs and experiences. Conclusion: Ultimately, the goal is to enhance policy-making efforts and create supportive frameworks that can better address and mitigate cannabis use among Indigenous youth in Manitoba.

Exploring the Latent Roles of Indigenous Chickens among Rural Households in Kericho County, Kenya: A Grounded Theory Approach

Chickens are the most popular poultry worldwide. About 23.7 billion chickens globally in 2018 were reared mainly for their eggs and meat products. Indigenous chickens in Kenya constitute about 70% of the poultry population. Their role in rural livelihoods is widely understood in terms of provisioning for nutrition and household income. This study aimed to investigate, through a community-based participatory process, the latent roles of indigenous chicken (IC) in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in rural areas of Kericho County, Kenya. This study adopted a Grounded Theory Approach and a Community-based Participatory action research design. Six sites in three out of six sub-counties were selected for the study based on their agroecological zones and administrative locations. Data were collected through focus group discussions and interviews. Community-based participatory action research tools; focus groups, resource mapping, role plays, and community workshops, were used to encourage participation and knowledge sharing. Data were collected through note-taking and group presentations. The data were analyzed using the grounded theory constant comparative method. Analysis revealed that the higher order concepts and theories that could explain the latent roles of indigenous chickens were1insurance against shocks, 2marketness; sales for income, 3instrumentalism; as an instrument for personal motivations, 4ecological functions and5immanent roles; to utilize existing resources and capabilities. It has roles as a socio-economic 6ladder-of-change, contributes to 7household functionalism by engaging youth and women and household 8dietary needs, and social roles in 9interpersonal connectedness. In conclusion, indigenous chickens had roles in the economy, ecology, socio-culture and food supplies. This understanding has implications in formulating strategies by development agents, for sustainable IC production. Further research in different contexts to build on the in-depth understanding of the IC roles is recommended.

School-based racial equity collaborations: White principals implementing an active anti-racist stance

This study explores how White principals in the Seattle metropolitan area implemented an active anti-racist stance through school-based racial equity collaborations. Using participatory action research, the study follows three White principals in the Ally Engagement program, a community-based racial affinity leadership intervention, during the 2022-23 academic year. Our research-practice partnership asked: How do White school leaders implement their developing understanding of an active anti-racist stance? Findings reveal that principals used school-based racial equity collaborations to begin to ensure the influential presence of Black and Brown individuals in decision-making processes, foster race-specific conversations among predominantly White staff, and integrate anti-racist ideas and tools into daily school routines. By applying a racialized lens and engaging in critical self-reflection, these principals sought to navigate challenges, including institutional resistance, to address systemic racism. The study underscores the complexities and opportunities in leading for racial justice, emphasizing the need for meaningful action over performative commitments. We argue that school-based racial equity collaborations can help create a system of accountability for White principals to redistribute power, educate White folks, and work toward system-level change.