Brief description:
Children have long been the ‘objects’ of research, but research by children as ‘active participants’ is relatively new. Research with and by children recognises that children are experts in their lives and that their experiences and opinions are different from adults. It acknowledges children’s right to be heard and their views to be taken seriously.
Amongst the benefits of children conducting their own research are that they learn by doing, and develop learning skills and strategies such as making choices, reflecting, critical thinking, analysing data. The process also sharpens writing, communication, and organizational skills. Learning is also advanced through motivation and ownership, achieving success, and being heard.
Involving children in research processes also benefits the work of organizations, as the outcomes of research conducted by children and youth can provide original and useful insights and inputs to develop more effective strategies and approaches. The purpose of this training is to increase participants’ awareness and knowledge of children as researchers.
Duration: 1 to 2 days
Course content (non-exhaustive):
- Introduction to research with and by children
- Barriers that feature in the debate about children participating in research and how to overcome these barriers
- How to involve children in all stages of research and possible levels of their involvement
- Models and methodologies on how to develop children as researchers, including creative methods
- Importance of ethics in research with children
For: This course is designed for those working with children and young people who want to develop their research and consultation skills: staff from international and national organizations, researchers, social workers, educators, community workers, experts in child and youth participation, and teachers.
