From Concept to Reality: Participatory Action Research and Restorative Practice (APA4312.02)

Alisa Del Tufo

In this seven week class we analyze the ways that Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Restorative Practice can work together to create and sustain programs that are truly transformative.

How can we better align restorative theory and practice in our work? The concepts and values embodied in restorative justice should be consistent with the practices and structures through which they become manifest in the lives of participants, organizations and communities. This class offers some ways to integrate restorative practices and values into the strategies we use to design, implement, and assess them. This class will explore the use of another transformative practice, Participatory Action Research (PAR), as a powerful ally in the work of developing restorative practices and the programs that hold them.

Restorative Practice: Restorative Practice is the term we use for the broader application of activities and methods that embody the principles of restorative justice but are not specifically tied to the justice system.

Participatory Action Research/PAR: PAR is the application of research practices that value the deep knowledge that people hold about their lives and experiences and results in action that creates more democratic inclusion and shared power. This methods asks us to question the meaning and significance of objectivity. PAR centers the lived experience of those most affected by an issue or problem and supports and engages them in a process to learn about and employ research skills and tools to design meaningful solutions; solutions that are designed to meet the real needs of communities rather than perceived needs identified by non-impacted outside researchers.


Learning Outcomes:
• The core values of RJ & PAR
• The diverse research methods: Quantitative, qualitative and participatory
• The unique characteristics of Participatory Action Research
• The ways that PAR and RJ can be aligned


Delivery Method: Fully in-person
Prerequisites:
Introduction to Restorative Justice.
Course Level: 4000-level
Credits: 2
W 2:10PM - 5:50PM (2nd seven weeks)
Maximum Enrollment: 12
Course Frequency: Every 2-3 years

Categories: 4000 , All courses , CAPA , Fully In-Person , Second Seven Week , Two Credit
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