Abstract
Despite the seemingly intractable problems of public schooling, we (as researchers and dreamers) remain encouraged by the persistent efforts to reconfigure and reimagine the sociopolitical landscape of schools. We begin this essay by recognizing the work of individuals bravely and imperfectly expanding notions of what schools could and should be. We stand in solidarity with the innovators sowing, designing, and reaching toward more just social futures, dreaming of schools for children that are not so distant from the paradise Butler (2001) describes (Figure 1). This liberatory dreamwork coincides with long histories of communal ingenuity (Vossoughi et al., 2016), resistance against normative models of schooling, and practical efforts to enact humanizing education while facing diminished resources and opposition on all fronts (e.g., King, 2006; Rickford, 2016; Tejeda et al., 2003). It is good, worthy work that we hope to contribute to in our own research and practice while asking the important questions: Are the children alright? What can they teach us about designing transformative schools?
Author Biography
Natalie R. Davis
Natalie R. Davis is an assistant professor in elementary education and the Program in Creative & Innovative Education at Georgia State University. She is also a 2021-2023 NAEd/Spencer Postdoctoral Research Fellow. As an educational ethnographer and learning scientist, her scholarship focuses on children’s socio-political development within the context of justice-oriented learning environments. Her work also considers if/how the study and enactment of political education shows regard for children as playful and imaginative. Prior to graduate school, Davis taught 3rd grade in an African-centered school.
Roni Barsoum
Roni Barsoum is an architect, designer, visual, and performing artist. He is a College of Education and Human Development Dean’s Research Doctoral Fellow studying his PhD in Early Childhood and Elementary Education at Georgia State University. As a Fulbright Scholar, he also received his master’s degree in Creative & Innovative Education. His research focuses on designing creative and innovative learning spaces that foster joy and motivation for children. Barsoum has past experience as a certified trainer in the fields of hospitality industry and education. He also founded LifeUP Egypt, an arts and culture center specializing in creative arts training programs for children and families.
Recommended Citation
Davis, N. R.,
&
Barsoum, R.
(2022).
Children as design visionaries, learners, and socio-political wayfinders: Mapping the layers, hierarchies, and rhythms of a school community.
Occasional Paper Series,
(48), 62-78.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.58295/2375-3668.1455
Figure 1. Parable of the Talents and Artwork.jpg
Figure 2. Art class.jpg (498 kB)
Figure 2. Art class.jpg
Figure 3. Drawing Analysis Key.jpg (492 kB)
Figure 3. Drawing Analysis Key.jpg
Figure 4. School and community.jpg (355 kB)
Figure 4. School and community.jpg
Figure 5. School and neighborhood.jpg (716 kB)
Figure 5. School and neighborhood.jpg
Figure 6. Vignettes A.jpg (557 kB)
Figure 6. Vignettes A.jpg
Figure 7. Vignettes B.jpg (431 kB)
Figure 7. Vignettes B.jpg
Figure 8. School experience.jpg (871 kB)
Figure 8. School experience.jpg
Figure 9. Social map during recess time.jpg (580 kB)
Figure 9. Social map during recess time.jpg
Figure 10. Conflicting activities during class time.jpg (613 kB)
Figure 10. Conflicting activities during class time.jpg
Included in
Architecture Commons, Art and Design Commons, Civic and Community Engagement Commons, Elementary Education Commons, Place and Environment Commons, Social Justice Commons