Pedagogy and Professional Development

Implementing a Social Justice Pedagogy Framework using Participatory Action Theory

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Abstract

Participatory Action Research (PAR) was used to develop a social justice pedagogy framework (SJPF) to address a need for guidance on the practical application of social justice principles in higher education curriculum. The purpose of this exploratory study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the SJPF on students' experience within fashion courses. The SJPF was implemented in two fashion courses, and an analysis of student questionnaires resulted in three themes: language and communication, resource allocation and course alignment, and class rapport and safe spaces. The results of the analysis indicate that the SJPF is a usefull tool that provides good guidance for instructors in the redevelopment of coursework and enables students to feel a greater sense of belonging and build better relationships with the instructor and their peers. 

Keywords: Pedagogy, Belonging, Social Justice, Participatory Action Theory

How to Cite:

Shephard, A. & Reid, S., (2025) “Implementing a Social Justice Pedagogy Framework using Participatory Action Theory”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21829