Using Creative Arts Based Research Methods in School Settings: Understanding and Empowering Children and Young People

This book considers the practical challenges likely to be faced when conducting research in the reality of busy educational contexts. It presents an understanding of the perceived efficacy and accessibility of creative research approaches from the perspective of participants as well as the researcher. The book addresses key concerns in research that seeks to understand children’s experiences in terms of creativity in thinking, methods and analysis, the school setting as a socially constructed environment, and power relations in experience and data production.

Written in an accessible style that provides a representation of the evolution of arts-based research methods, it includes illustrative case studies, practical suggestions and guidance on further reading. This book will assist higher education researchers seeking to represent subjective experience and empower participants in the creative research process.

This book will be vital reading for researchers completing projects within primary and secondary school settings, as well as those involved in teaching and studying at postgraduate level within MA Education programmes. It will also be of interest to students of research methods at undergraduate level.

Suzanne Everley is Head of Sport Social Science and Reader in the Sociology of Physical Education, Activity and Health at the University of Chichester, UK.