Researching 'with', not 'on': engaging marginalised learners in the research process

Journal article


Atkins, L. 2013. Researching 'with', not 'on': engaging marginalised learners in the research process. Research in Post Compulsory Education. 18 (1-2), pp. 143-158. https://doi.org/10.1080/13596748.2013.755853
AuthorsAtkins, L.
Abstract

This paper discusses practical and methodological issues arising from a case study exploring the hopes, aspirations and learning identities of three groups of students undertaking low-level broad vocational programmes in two English general further education colleges. Working within a social justice theoretical framework the paper outlines the participative approach which was adopted as part of the research process from the initial development of interview questions to the early data analysis. It explores the advantages and limitations of the approach in the context of the broader methodology and the social justice theoretical framework arguing that, despite the intention to collaborate with the participants, the ultimate control over the study was vested in the researcher, raising questions around the nature and extent of empowerment through the medium of research. The paper draws two key conclusions. In social justice terms, the young peoples contribution was limited by their lack of previous experience of any type of research and, to some extent, by difficulty with the written word. Despite this, the participative approach was effective in demonstrating value and respect for the young participants and provided an opportunity for them to make their voices heard from beyond the model of disadvantage and disengagement in which government policy seeks to confine them. Further, in purely methodological terms, the approach provided insights which could not have been obtained by researching on, suggesting that it provides a useful means of exploring the lives and identities of marginalised youth.

Keywordsmarginalised; social justice; value; respect; voice; young people
Year2013
JournalResearch in Post Compulsory Education
Journal citation18 (1-2), pp. 143-158
PublisherTaylor & Francis
ISSN13596748
17475112
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.1080/13596748.2013.755853
Web address (URL)https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/13596748.2013.755853
http://hdl.handle.net/10545/623914
hdl:10545/623914
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Online15 Feb 2013
Publication process dates
Accepted26 Jul 2012
Deposited21 Jun 2019
ContributorsNorthumbria University
File
File Access Level
Open
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