EXPERIMENTAL EDUCATION

This unit of study, part of the curriculum in Educational Linguistics, introduces students to the fundamental concepts of educational research, with a specific focus on participatory research with children and adolescents. The main objective is to provide the theoretical and methodological foundations needed to understand the role and perspective of children as co-researchers in the investigative process, in line with the principles set forth by the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
The program explores the fundamentals of participatory research, analyzing investigation methods best suited for different age groups, from the use of verbal techniques to the application of artistic approaches like photovoice and drawing. The course guides students in understanding the structure of a research study, from formulating questions and hypotheses to identifying variables. Finally, through the analysis of case studies, the course provides an overview of how these theoretical concepts translate into practice, developing the ability to analyze and interpret qualitative data, particularly visual data.

Knowledge
- Acquire fundamental concepts of educational and participatory research.
- Recognize key research tools and techniques and understand the role of variables and hypotheses.

Skills/Competencies
- Formulate research questions and outline relevant hypotheses.
- Recognize the appropriateness of participatory research methods based on context and participant age.
- Read and interpret data collected using these tools.

Autonomy of Judgment
- Critically reflect on research methodologies and evaluate their ethical implications.
- Recognize the most appropriate methodological choices for a given research context.

Communication Skills
- Develop the ability to appropriately communicate concepts learned, using specific terminology from educational research.

For this course there are no prerequisites.

This unit of study focuses on participatory research with children and adolescents, exploring its origins and models of participation. It will address the development of participatory skills across different age groups, from early childhood to adolescence.
Key research techniques, tools, and methods will be presented, with a focus on art-based approaches such as drawing, photo elicitation, and photovoice.
The program includes an introduction to core research concepts, including formulating questions, using scientific literature, and analyzing variables. Finally, case studies that have employed drawing as a participatory research method will be examined.

For the exam, all students must study the lectures (written handouts) available on the Moodle platform.

For further reading, the following volumes are recommended:

Angelöw, A., & Psouni, E. (2025). Participatory research with children: From child-rights based principles to practical guidelines for meaningful and ethical participation. International Journal of Qualitative Methods.
Parsons, S., & Abbott, C. (Eds.). (2024). Innovative methods in participatory research with children and young people. Routledge.
Mortari, L. (2022). La ricerca partecipativa: Metodi e prospettive. Carocci.
Bove, C. (2024). Ricerca partecipativa e contesti educativi per l'infanzia. Teorie, metodi e prospettive. FrancoAngeli.

The assessment of learning will take the form of a written examination consisting of 22 multiple-choice questions (worth 1 mark) and 3 short open-ended questions (worth 3 marks each). Time: 40 minutes.
These questions cover both the theoretical knowledge learnt during the course and the skills of reasoning and application on case studies.
The assessment criteria for the short-answer questions on theoretical knowledge and reasoning skills are:
(a) the accuracy of the information reported in relation to the theoretical knowledge learnt
(b) the appropriate use of language appropriate to the discipline
(c) the validity of the argumentation
(d) the effectiveness of communication and presentation

written

A. Scores in the 18-22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- limited ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- sufficient communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
B. marks in the 23-26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- discrete knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- discrete ability to collect and/or interpret data, making autonomous judgements;
- fair communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
C. Scores in the 27-30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or very good knowledge and applied understanding with reference to the syllabus;
- good or very good ability to collect and/or interpret data, making independent judgements;
- fully appropriate communication skills, especially in relation to the use of specific language.
D. Honours will be awarded in the presence of knowledge and ability of applied understanding with reference to the
programme, judgement and communication skills, excellent.

The lectures will be integrated with collaborative learning activities, supported with video/web materials.

Students not attending class are asked to contact the teacher one month before the exam.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development