The value of an inclusive students as researchers (iSaR) model of participatory voice

Evans, Helen Alison ORCID: 0000-0003-1874-473X (2026). The value of an inclusive students as researchers (iSaR) model of participatory voice. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

On observing a lack of opportunity for post-secondary college students with learning disabilities to experience, practise and develop their agency and self-determination, this study investigated the potential contribution of student-led Participatory Action Research (PAR) to provide such opportunity. Fielding’s (2001) Students as Researchers (SaR) model of Student Voice was adapted to better include a core group of seven student-participants over a five-term period.

The value of an emergent inclusive Students as Researchers (iSaR) model of participatory ‘voice’ was explored, through how it was perceived and experienced by participating learning-disabled students. The study drew heavily upon the Value Creation Framework (Wenger-Trayner and Wenger-Trayner, 2020) in its attempts to accessibly elicit participatory value-experiences through testimonial data, involving creative, multi-modal methods, such as Photo-interviews. Datasets were thematically analysed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA), through an iterative, abductive process involving theoretical integration.

Findings revealed numerous articulations of positive value-experiences in iSaR activity, and participation in iSaR proved to be incredibly transformative; participants identified as researchers, and not only did they make a difference, but they learned that they could make a difference, they learned how to make a difference and then they learned how to better make a difference. This evidences how iSaR activity contributed to student agency and self-direction - the development of which is invaluable as preparation for adulthood, in that students grow to believe they can make a difference to undesired factors which may have a negative impact on their adult lives and health.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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