Culturally disruptive research: a critical (re)engagement with research processes and teaching practices
Information and Learning Sciences
ISSN: 2398-5348
Article publication date: 27 November 2020
Issue publication date: 15 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
As scholars, educators and policymakers recognize the impact of partnership-based research, there is a growing need for more in-depth understanding of how to conduct this work, especially with and in diverse project teams. The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical examination of adopting a culturally disruptive approach in a research–practice partnership (RPP) that includes Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers, designers and educators who worked together to collaboratively design culturally situated experiences for sixth graders.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a design-based implementation research methodology, data from design and implementation are presented as two case studies to illustrate key findings.
Findings
Leveraging the frame of culturally disruptive pedagogy, key tensions, disruptions, self-discoveries and resulting pedagogical innovations are outlined. While the authors experienced multiple forms of disruptions as researchers, designers and educators, they focused on tracing two powerful cases of how culturally disruptive research directly and immediately resulted in pedagogical innovations. Together the cases illustrate a broader shift toward interdependence that the team experienced over the course of the school year.
Research limitations/implications
A new frame for conducting culturally disruptive research is presented. Both the theoretical application and practical implementation of this frame demonstrate its usefulness in conceptualizing culturally situated research through cultivating an uncomfortable yet generative interdependence.
Practical implications
Findings include examples and strategies for how to practically conduct multi-sector, interdisciplinary research and teaching. Scholars and educators share their stories which illustrate the practical impact of this work.
Originality/value
Critical insights presented in this paper build on and contribute to the growing body of work around RPPs, community-based research and other critical partnership methods.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors thank the sixth graders who were willing to learn and grow with us. They express gratitude to our intellectual communities, especially the Learn Explore Design Lab and Tohi Lab. This work was supported by a Seed Program to Advance Research Collaboration (SPARC) grant from the Office of Research at Utah State University.
Citation
Litts, B.K., Tehee, M., Jenkins, J., Baggaley, S., Isaacs, D., Hamilton, M.M. and Yan, L. (2020), "Culturally disruptive research: a critical (re)engagement with research processes and teaching practices", Information and Learning Sciences, Vol. 121 No. 9/10, pp. 769-784. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-02-2020-0019
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited