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Listening to Children: Exploring Intuitive Strategies and Interactive Methods in a Study of Children’s Special Places

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Abstract

Stemming from the UNCRC, childhood researchers have proposed a variety of methodological strategies for upholding children’s rights and understanding their perspectives. This paper aims to advance the conversation on engaging children’s perspectives by presenting data collection methods used in a qualitative study exploring children’s special places. Place attachment and identity theories, as well as, contemporary sociological understandings, informed the study design, particularly, in viewing children as active agents continually constructing their own places in the world. Five interactive methods (book discussions, representational art, child-led place tours, informal interviews, and puppets) are presented in order to emphasize the importance of listening to children, building positive relationships, allowing children to take the lead, and fostering creative expression. While it may never be possible for the adult researcher to fully understand children’s perspectives, it is possible for researchers to implement intuitive strategies by reflectively adapting their methods to honor children’s diverse needs.

Résumé

S’appuyant sur la Convention relative aux droits de l’enfant des Nations Unies, des chercheurs sur l’enfance ont proposé une variété de stratégies méthodologiques, pour soutenir les droits des enfants et comprendre leurs perspectives. Cet article a pour but de faire avancer la discussion sur l’implication des perspectives des enfants en présentant les méthodes de cueillette de données utilisées dans une étude qualitative explorant des lieux spéciaux pour les enfants. Les théories de l’attachement et de l’identité à un lieu ainsi que des perspectives sociologiques contemporaines ont orienté le devis de l’étude, notamment la perception des enfants comme des agents actifs continuellement en train de construire leur propre place dans le monde. Cinq méthodes interactives : discussions sur des livres, art figuratif, visites de lieux guidées par les enfants, interviews informelles et marionnettes sont présentées pour souligner l’importance d’écouter les enfants, de construire des relations positives, de permettre aux enfants de prendre la direction, et de favoriser l’expression créatrice. Même s’il peut ne jamais être possible pour le chercheur adulte de comprendre totalement le point de vue des enfants, les chercheurs peuvent néanmoins établir des stratégies intuitives en adaptant de façon réflexive des méthodes qui respectent les différents besoins des enfants.

Resumen

Partiendo en la UNCRC, investigadores en el area de la educación infantil han propuesto una variedad de estrategias metodológicas, relacionadas con la defensa de los derechos de los niños y la comprensión de sus perspectivas. Este artículo busca avanzar en la conversación sobre el compromiso de las perspectivas de los niños, a través de la presentación de métodos de colección de información usados en un estudio cualitativo que explora los lugares especiales de los niños. La cercanía con un espacio y las teorías de identidad, así como perspectivas sociológicas contemporáneas fueron empleadas en el diseño de este estudio, particularmente, en la tarea de percibir a los niños como agentes activos que continuamente construyen sus propios espacios en el mundo. Cinco métodos interactivos (discusión de lecturas de libros, arte representativo, tours guiados por los niños, entrevistas informales y marionetas) se presentan para enfatizar la importancia que tiene el escuchar a los niños, el construir relaciones positivas, el permitir a los niños asumir roles de liderazgo y el promover expresiones creativas. Aunque probablemente nunca sea posible para los investigadores adultos el llegar a entender por completo las perspectivas de los niños, si es posible para los investigadores, el implementar estrategias intuitivas adaptando sus métodos en honor a las diversas necesidades de los niños.

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  1. College of Education, Idaho State University, 921 South 8th Avenue, Stop 8059, Pocatello, ID, 83209, USA

    Carie Green

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  1. Carie Green
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Correspondence to Carie Green.

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Green, C. Listening to Children: Exploring Intuitive Strategies and Interactive Methods in a Study of Children’s Special Places. IJEC 44, 269–285 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-012-0075-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13158-012-0075-9

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