A Course-Based Qualitative Inquiry: What Relational-Centred Practice Looks Like When in a Power-Over Position of Authority
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14738/assrj.72.7760Abstract
In this article, we report on the innovative research design and results of a course-based qualitative inquiry into child and youth care (CYC) students' experiences of maintaining a relational-centered practice stance while in a power-over position of authority. Qualitative data from two semi-structured focus groups as well as an arts-based data collection technique were analyzed using the thematic analysis method. The following four major themes were identified from the analyses: (a) “self-awareness is key,” (b) “the mediating power of a positive trusting relationship,” (c) “the vital importance of emotional safety,” and (d) “it’s a two-way street.” The results of this course-based study revealed that, although CYC students are committed to practicing relationally, the dynamics of being in a position of power-over authority are complex and challenging to navigate.
References
Bellefeuille, G. and D. Jamieson, 2008. Relational centred-planning: A turn toward creative potential and possibilities. In G. Bellefeuille & F. Ricks (Eds.), Standing on the precipice: Inquiry into the creative potential of child and youth care practice (pp. 35-72). Edmonton, AB: MacEwan Press.
Bellefeuille, G., Ricks, F., & Jamieson, D. (Eds.). (2012). Standing on the precipice: Inquiry into the creative potential of child and youth care practice (2nd ed.). Edmonton. AB: MacEwan Press.
Bellefeuille, G., Stiller, B., Neuman, S., Deol, J., Smith, C., Brown, M., Gautreau, & Diduch, A. (2017). Building a child and youth care culture of relational-centred praxis: Ours to make. American Journal of Education and Learning, 2(1), 43-64.
Bernard, H. R. (2002). Research methods in anthropology: Qualitative and quantitative approaches (3rd ed.). Walnut Creek, CA: Alta Mira Press.
Braun, V., &Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.
Coemans, S. & Hannes, K. (2017). Researchers under the spell of the arts: Two decades of using arts-based methods in community-based inquiry with vulnerable populations. Educational Research Review, 22, 34-49.
CohenMiller, Anna S. (2018). Visual arts as a tool for phenomenology. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung / Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 19(1), Art. 15.
Dunn, Valerie & Mellor, Tom (2017). Creative, participatory projects with young people: Reflections over five years. Research for All, 1(2), 284-299.
Finley, S. (2011). Critical arts-based inquiry. In N. K. Denzin & Y. S. Lincoln, The Sage handbook of qualitative research (pp.435-450). Los Angeles, CA: Sage.
Garfat, T. (2003). Four parts magic: The anatomy of a child and youth care Intervention. CYC Online: Journal of the International Child & Youth Care Network, 50, 1–31.
Krueger, M. (1994). Rhythm and presence: Connecting with children on the edge. Journal of Emotional and Behavioral Problems, 3(1), 49-51.
Miles, M. B., & Huberman, A. M. (1994). Qualitative data analysis: An expanded sourcebook (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Patton MQ. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods (3rd. ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Smith, M. (2006). Act justly, love tenderly, walk humbly. Relational Child and Youth Care Practice 19(4), 5-16.
Stuart, C. (2013). Foundations of child and youth care (2nd edition). Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
Schwandt, T. A. (2000). Three epistemological stances for qualitative inquiry: Interpretivism, hermeneutics, and social constructionism. In N.K. Denzin and Y.S. Lincoln (Eds.), Handbook of qualitative research (pp. 189-214). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
Taggart, G. (2014). Compassionate pedagogy: The ethics of care in early childhood professionalism. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal. 12(2), 81-95.
Vincent, J. (2016). Perspectives on love as a component of professional practice Scottish Journal of Residential Child Care, 15(3), 6-21.
Yin, R. K. (2003). Case study research: Design and methods (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2020 Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
