School Citizenship Education Through YPAR: What Works? A Mixed-Methods Study in Italy

• Published in: Journal of adolescent research Vol. 38; no. 1; pp. 143 - 177
• Main Authors: Albanesi, Cinzia, Prati, Gabriele, Guarino, Antonella, Cicognani, Elvira
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01.01.2023; SAGE PUBLICATIONS, INC
• Subjects: Action Research; Citizenship; Citizenship Education; Education; Educational Environment; Foreign Countries; Group norms; High School Students; Inclusion; Intervention; Longitudinal Studies; Mixed methods research; Participation; Participatory action research; Participatory Research; Perceptions; Preschool Teachers; School environment; Secondary school students; Teacher Attitudes; Teachers; Youth; Italy; YPAR; students; school climate; school; citizenship education
• ISSN: 0743-5584; 1552-6895
• DOI: 10.1177/07435584211035564

The aim of this study was to assess the quality of the processes of a Youth-led Participatory Action Research (YPAR) citizenship education project by examining a 2-year intervention that involved 43 Italian high school students. We collected qualitative data (focus groups with students and interviews with teachers) to capture participants’ perspectives, as well as longitudinal quantitative data to monitor the process over time (assessing school climate, perceived quality of participation, and group participation norms). The results revealed that YPAR was successful in reducing hierarchy, facilitating group activities, and recognizing youth voice, thus changing students’ perception of their school environment and views on participation and active citizenship. The intervention also changed teachers’ perceptions of students. YPAR proved to be a suitable option for citizenship education in school.