- The authors report on a research project where students in three school communities were intentionally provided with opportunities to participate, through cycles of participatory action research.
- The participating students worked collectively to develop a student-led project, focusing on intercultural education. For example, one group of students formed a school-based club that planned opportunities for intercultural exchanges within the school (e.g., sharing of culture through a fashion show). Teachers acted as facilitators.
- While the notion of ‘student voice’ has become widely recognised as valuable, the authors suggest that beyond voice, participation may provide students with important opportunities be a part of social change.
- Findings suggest that students’ involvement in participatory action research can empower them to express their views through action.
- The dialogue and reflection that took place throughout the project supported students to form new understandings about their schools and communities.
Publication
Caetano, A. P., Freire, I. P., & Machado, E. B. (2020). Student voice and participation in intercultural education. Journal of New Approaches in Educational Research, 9(1), 57-73. https://doi.org/10.7821/naer.2020.1.458