Phase 1: Identify an Issue
Phase 1: Identify an Issue introduces YPAR within schools (also known as SchYPAR) and the importance of power-sharing roles between teachers and students. In SchYPAR, teachers and students collaborate in the research process by using research to create some form of change within schools. Phase 1 allows teachers and students to engage in conversations around roles and relationships, seeking to deconstruct power relationships in the classroom and other school contexts. Also central to phase 1 is addressing an essential element of doing SchYPAR, which includes identifying a school or community issue, asking: What is our school like? What are the advantages or challenges in our school? What needs to change? Phase 1 ends with a general exploration and identification of quantitative and qualitative research methods to use in the data collection process in Phase 2: Collect Data.
Click the + sign to dropdown the sessions and materials associated with the steps.
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Sessions #1-3 help establish an understanding of YPAR and set the stage for youth-teacher relationships that disrupt dominant power relationships. This disruption creates an opportunity to participate in a collaborative and action-based research process.
Session #1: Introduction to Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) PDF Lesson Plan
Session #2: Youth-Adult Power Sharing PDF Lesson Plan
Session #3: Setting Ground Rules PDF Lesson Plan
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Sessions #4-7 are designed to help students identify issues in their school and community that are important to them. Central to this process is reflecting on community issues and identifying sources of information that can answer questions and/or provide support.
Session #4: Community Web and Maps PDF Lesson Plan | Handout: Community Web Example | Handout: Neighborhood Mapping (Optional)
Session #5: Pick a Topic PDF Lesson Plan | Handout: Topic and Question Examples
Session #6: Identify Sources of Information PDF Lesson Plan | Handout: Power Analysis Matrix
Session #7: Review Existing Literature PDF Lesson Plan
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Sessions #8-9 provide an understanding of quantitative and qualitative research approaches to help students decide on the method(s) needed to address their topic.
Session #8: Research Round Robin PDF Lesson Plan | Handout: Research Methods Pros and Cons
Session #9: Choose Your Research Methods PDF Lesson Plan | Handout: Planning Your Research