Pada hari Rabu, 31 Januari 2024 pukul 15.00-17.00 WIB, Center for Life-Span Development (CLSD) menyelenggarakan webinar bertajuk “Children’s Voices: Well-Being for All, Building Student Well-Being through Child-led Initiatives”. Webinar ini terbuka untuk umum dan ditujukan kepada audiens yang beragam seperti siswa sekolah dasar dan menengah, guru, akademisi, praktisi, dan orang tua. Webinar dilaksanakan secara daring melalui Zoom Meeting dan diikuti oleh kurang lebih 320 peserta yang berasal dari Indonesia, Thailand, dan Filipina. Adapun tujuan webinar ini adalah memberikan kesempatan bagi peneliti muda untuk berbagi inisiatif dan hasil penelitian mereka dalam rangka meningkatkan kesadaran publik tentang pentingnya mendengarkan suara anak-anak untuk meningkatkan kesejahteraan mereka. read more

On October 2, 2023, our young researchers presented their impactful findings to school authorities, uncovering concerns shared by both special needs and typical students. The issues ranged from bullying to the desire for more extracurricular activities. Aligned with the young researchers’ insights, teachers acknowledged the need for action. A month later, on December 18, 2023, the school initiated training for the new student council, focusing on organizational skills and discipline. Inspired by the young researchers, the school took a stand against bullying by imposing sanctions. On December 20, 2023, the young researchers received psychoeducation on sexual harassment prevention, proactively sharing information through booklets and wall magazines to foster a safer and healthier school environment. read more

On September 22, 2023, our child researchers from Yogyakarta presented their research findings in front of their teachers and school foundation officials. During the presentation, the child researchers emphasized statements from special needs students who conveyed discomfort with the presence of their parents or family members as shadow teachers during class activities. This prompted a discussion involving the child researchers, mentors, and school authorities on the most effective practices to address the issue. read more

As the data collection and analysis phase concluded, a pivotal discussion unfolded with Prof. David Evans from The University of Sydney. On July 5, 2023, the Faculty of Psychology was privileged to host Prof. Evans for a transformative consultation session. Mentors from Yogyakarta and Kupang seized the opportunity to present their initial research findings, entering into a meaningful exchange with Prof. Evans, who offered valuable insights. The session expanded beyond results, delving into a discourse on the challenges of inclusive education observed during the research. Collaboratively, they explored potential avenues for future development. Prof. Evans’ visit not only enriched the ongoing project but also ignited contemplation on the dynamic landscape of inclusive education. As mentors and Prof. Evans collectively shaped the research’s trajectory, the session catalyzed inspiration, nurturing a shared commitment to advancing inclusive practices and deepening the understanding of student wellbeing in the realm of education. read more

During this phase, the primary school research team conducted mentoring sessions for child researchers, which were divided into three separate sessions. These sessions occurred at different times, including regular class activities, break times, and art performance rehearsals. In each session, child researchers received the following instruction: “You are allowed to explore the school environment for 5-10 minutes [adjusted]. During this time, capture images that depict happiness, joy, and cheerfulness, as well as issues, sadness, and difficulties within the school. The images can include anything – people, objects, situations, or places.” Following this activity, child researchers engaged in individual interviews and group discussions to share insights into the photos they had taken. Additionally, collaborative analyses were conducted to comprehend the findings obtained from both the images and interviews. read more

Since March 2023, 31 child and young researchers from Yogyakarta, Kupang, and Jambi have been actively involved in various stages of action research as part of the “Our (photo) Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Wellbeing for All” project. Through this project, these child and young researchers are driven to amplify their own voices and those of their peers by sharing insights into the psychological well-being of students in their schools. One of the ways they’re doing this is by showcasing their research findings in this virtual exhibition. read more

On Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, Dr. Annie Gowing hosted a public seminar for the Youth Research Collective at the Faculty of Education, University of Melbourne. During this seminar, Dr. Elga Andriana presented the SAELA 2022 project. The project involved teams of child researchers who investigated student wellbeing using the photovoice method in three different locations: Yogyakarta, Kupang, and a jungle child community in Jambi. read more

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023, nine students from SMP Taman Muda Ibu Pawiyatan Tamansiswa participated in training as young researchers. Zata Wafy and Ukhtina Duhi Anindita I., co-researchers in the Our (photo) Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Wellbeing for All project, led the training. The project’s goal was to investigate the psychological well-being of students with disabilities and typical students in inclusive schools through the eyes of child and young researchers, so the training was designed to familiarize the students with the Photovoice method that will be used in the research. read more

On Tuesday, 20 June 2023, 5 child researchers visited the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada to conduct a data analysis session. The session was led by co-researcher of Our (photo) Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Wellbeing for All project, Mlathi Anggayuh Jati and assisted by another co-researcher and three research interns. Dr. Elga Andriana was also there to attend the data analysis session. read more

On Tuesday and Wednesday, 4 and 5 April 2023, co-researchers from Our (photo) Voice: Children and Young People’s Joint Action Research on Student Wellbeing for All project, Mlathi Anggayuh Jati and Nawang Chrismangesti, conducted research training sessions for child researcher at Taman Muda Ibu Pawiyatan Tamansiswa (elementary school). The purpose of this training session is to prepare the child researchers prior to joining the actual photovoice research project.  read more