International Innovative Methods for Engaging Young Children in Research

Abstract

A framework of six steps for engaging young children in research is presented in this chapter. This framework was built through collaboration with a team of international researchers funded by the Bernard van Leer Foundation (Johnson, Hart, & Colwell, 2014a and b). Relevant literature and theoretical underpinning is presented with discussion of how creative participatory approaches are relevant to understanding and interacting with children's geographies. The framework addresses key issues facing researchers wishing to engage young children in research processes and offers ways to overcome some of the challenges researchers may face. In order to illustrate the six steps, a selection of case studies which provide examples of how experts from a wide range of international contexts have worked with children are presented. These case studies have been selected to be of particular relevance to geographic field research with young children and have been developed and tested by experts from a wide range of international contexts.

Understanding Children’s Harmful Work: The Methodological Landscape

“…Other creative methods, including drawing, mapping and drama have been used to encourage children's free expression and reveal 'subjugated knowledges' (Mizen and Ofosu-Kusi, 2010;Thomas De Benitez, 2011;Johnson et al, 2014) and children's understanding of place, space and their everyday lives (Mitchell, 2006;Johnson, 2011;Bolzman et al, 2017;Bowles, 2017). Methods like drawing have been successfully used in large-scale studies (Kilkelly et al, 2005;Crivello et al, 2009;Crivello et al, 2013).…”

Creating Playgrounds in Collaboration with Children: A Critical Literature Review

“…with individuals over the age of seven during the playground design process but different modifications might be necessary when working with younger participants (Johnson et al, 2014).…”

Análisis Ocupacional Y De Género en La Infancia: Aplicación De Los Mapas Corporales Narrados Desde Un Grupo De Discusión

“…En esta investigación emergen nuevos retos ligados a la metodología, reconociendo como clave la búsqueda de métodos guiados por la imaginación, la ética, la adaptación contextual y significativa (Johnson, Hart, Colwell, West, & Carvalho, 2014)-uso de videos, conchas o arena, impresoras 3D, plastilina-que impliquen la participación activa de niñas y niños, como requisito para desarrollar una evidencia situada y transformadora. Hasta el momento, este estudio parece visibilizar como las prácticas diarias en educación, política y cultura deben ir encaminadas a fomentar el pensamiento crítico de niñas y niños para de este modo crear una ciudadanía más inclusiva.…”