EXPERIMENTAL EDUCATION

This course, part of the Educational Linguistics curriculum, introduces the fundamental concepts of educational research, with particular reference to participatory research with children and adolescents. It provides the theoretical and methodological foundations needed to understand the role of minors as co-researchers, in line with the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Methods and research tools suitable for different age groups are examined, ranging from verbal techniques to visual and creative approaches (e.g. photovoice, drawing), together with the essential elements of research design. Through the analysis of case studies, students develop the ability to analyse and interpret qualitative data, with particular attention to visual data, and to reflect on the methodological and ethical implications of research with minors.

Knowledge
• Acquire the fundamental concepts of educational and participatory research with children and adolescents.
• Recognise the main research tools and techniques and understand the role of variables and hypotheses.
Skills/Competences
• Formulate research questions and outline relevant hypotheses.
• Recognise the appropriateness of participatory research methods in relation to the context and the age of participants.
• Be able to read and interpret qualitative data collected through these tools.
Autonomy of judgement
• Critically reflect on research methodologies and evaluate their ethical implications.
• Identify the most appropriate methodological choices for a given research context.
Communication skills
• Communicate acquired concepts appropriately, using the specific terminology of educational research.

For this course there are no prerequisites.

The course focuses on participatory research with children and adolescents, exploring its origins, models of participation, and development across different age groups.
The main research techniques, tools, and methods will be presented, with particular attention to arts-based approaches (drawing, photo elicitation, photovoice) and the analysis of qualitative data, especially visual data.
The programme includes an introduction to key research concepts, such as formulating research questions, using the scientific literature, and analysing variables. Through the examination of case studies, the methodological and ethical implications of participatory research with minors will also be explored.

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.

Assessment will take place through a written exam consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions (1 point each) and 4 short open-ended questions (worth up to a maximum of 5 points each). Duration of the exam: 50 minutes.
The questions are designed to assess both the theoretical knowledge acquired during the course and the ability to understand, analyse, and apply this knowledge to case studies.
The open-ended questions are evaluated on the basis of the following criteria:
(a) accuracy and relevance of theoretical knowledge;
(b) ability to understand, analyse, and re-elaborate the content;
(c) appropriate use of disciplinary language;
(d) clarity and effectiveness of expression, also in relation to the discussion of methodological and ethical aspects.

written

The lecturer has a duty to ensure that the rules regarding the authenticity and originality of exam tests and papers are respected. Therefore, if there is suspicion of irregular conduct, an additional assessment may be conducted, which could differ from the original exam description.

A. Marks in the range 18–22 will be awarded in the presence of:
- sufficient knowledge and understanding of the course content;
- sufficient ability to analyse and interpret content, with partial autonomy of judgement;
- sufficient communication skills, particularly in the use of disciplinary language.
B. Marks in the range 23–26 will be awarded in the presence of:
- satisfactory knowledge and understanding;
- adequate ability to analyse and interpret content, with an appropriate degree of autonomy of judgement;
- adequate communication skills, particularly in the use of disciplinary language.
C. Marks in the range 27–30 will be awarded in the presence of:
- good or very good knowledge and understanding;
- good or very good ability to analyse and interpret content, with autonomy of judgement;
- good and appropriate communication skills, particularly in the use of disciplinary language.
D. Honours (cum laude) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge and understanding, autonomy of judgement, and communication skills.

Lectures will be complemented by laboratory activities and group work, supported by video materials, online resources, and weekly quizzes.

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