METHODOLOGY

The research methodology refers to the participatory action-research. It is a particularly helpful and

valuable research methodology, not only in the field of social work but also in the field of primary

education.

It is especially valuable because of:

1) its capacity to explore complex problems by harnessing multiple and even sometimes unexpected aspects of them;

2) its commitment to transforming school and community contexts in view of the needs and problems perceived and identified by the participants – researchers, teachers, families, children etc. – involved in the research, all of whom perform the role of co-researchers.

CAIRɛ uses the approach of art-based research in education as a point of reference for methodologically managing the visual art works viewed/produced in the course of this educational process aimed at children.

Indeed, these artworks not only represent tools (the artwork used to stage a contemplative experience) or products (the pieces created by the children) of the educational journey, they are also conceptualised as a research method in and of themselves; a method which, moreover, is particularly well suited to a

participatory approach.

The ABR is used in three different stages of the research process and training course carried out with the children, and at each stage it performs specific functions.

In the initial phase of the training, it:

1) contributes to promote the dialogue, nurturing horizontal processes of openness to different

viewpoints;

2) promotes an aesthetic approach to the problems under examination.

During the course of the training, it:

1) generates data for evaluating the training process and its results;

2) exercises critical and creative thinking and judgment;

3) promotes the sharing of emotions, and creation of connections, and emphasises the collective doing and co-creation of knowledge.

In the concluding stage of the training with children and research process, it:

contributes to the dissemination of research outcomes, through the realisation of exhibitions or

public presentations of the artistic work.