Middle schoolers as scholars: Critical participatory action research

Middle schoolers as scholars: Critical participatory action research

Author: Ethical Schools October 15, 2024 Duration: 23:13
We speak with Dr. Sam Finesurrey, assistant professor of history at Guttman Community College, and three 2024 graduates of School in the Square (S2), a charter middle school in Washington Heights, Manhattan.  Dr. Finesurrey worked with 14 students on a research project studying S2 students’ social emotional learning, including reactions to the pandemic and faculty turnover.  Dr. Sam and the students talk about the process, what they found, and how the school modified policies in response to the study’s findings. Overview 00:00-00:50 Intros 00:50-02:22 Critical participatory research 02:22-04:21 Participatory oral history project at School in the Square 04:21-06:12 Meaningful findings 06:12-10:05 Follow up on the results 10:05-11:17 School in the Square’s response to the findings 11:17-13:16 Role and impact of staff member Ms. Lilly 13:16-14:17 Public presentations 14:17-17:31 How the researchers have changed as a result of the project 17:31-18:45 Effects on interviewees 18:45-20:12 Confidentiality 20:12- Outro Transcript Click here to see the full transcription of this episode. 

Conversations about education often focus on test scores and curriculum, but there’s a deeper layer that truly shapes a student’s experience. Ethical Schools digs into that layer, exploring what it means to build a learning community grounded in integrity and care. Each week, hosts Amy and Jon sit down with educators and innovators who are actively reimagining schools. You’ll hear specific, grounded discussions about the practical work of creating environments where every student feels safe and respected. The dialogue frequently addresses how to support young people dealing with trauma, moving beyond theory to share actionable strategies that teachers are using right now. More than just problem-solving, this podcast highlights how to empower students themselves to become advocates and changemakers in their own communities. It’s a series that connects philosophy with daily practice, looking at the social and cultural structures within schools through a lens of ethics. For anyone invested in the future of education-whether you’re a teacher, administrator, or simply a concerned community member-this podcast offers a thoughtful and necessary perspective on the foundational values that make education meaningful.
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Ethical Schools
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