Using action research to tackle school absenteeism: A participatory approach to local policymaking

Abstract

Traditionally, absenteeism has been understood as a problem that requires individualised punitive measures. However, more recent studies have highlighted the importance and coherence of tackling it through community-based approaches in which the entire educational ecosystem is involved and participates. This article describes the methodological work employed as part of a comprehensive and community-based approach to creating a local plan for the prevention of absenteeism in a municipality in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. The conceptualisation and development of the plan itself followed a participatory action research (PAR) methodology, a democratic process that allows all parties involved to contribute their knowledge and experience to resolve a specific problem. This methodology not only serves to empower the actors involved in the process but has also proven effective in tackling complex social challenges through the generation of solutions that overcome the boundaries between policy and practice. The results are presented in the areas of (a) connections and recognition between actors; (b) ownership; (c) a horizontal approach and (d) actions consistent with needs. In practice, PAR is a working methodology that makes it easier for the actors to be both objects and subjects of the intervention. Systematising the process involved in constructing the plan contributed to the different agents maintaining common objectives, and their alliances being strengthened as a result. Joint construction of the plan allowed for appropriation and transfer of the proposed measures and actions, which were the sum of the existing starting points plus proposals emerging in response to real-life needs. The PAR process took into account horizontal fieldwork, in which professionals, young people and their families contributed to generating solutions. In short, the methodological proposal followed suggests that processes of joint decision-making and iterative reflection such as PAR are effective and have transformative potential as an approach for addressing social challenges.