Articles

Child and Youth Care Undergraduate Students’ Perceptions of Their Learning Environment: A Qualitative Course-Based Study

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This course-based inquiry, situated within the interpretivist paradigm, explored how child and youth care (CYC) students at MacEwan University perceive their learning environment. A purposive non-probability sampling strategy was used to recruit participants from all four years of the CYC program. A triangulated data-collection approach was used to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings by drawing on multiple data-sources. Participants were given the option to participate in an online survey or an online interview. Both options included an art-based activity component. Four overarching themes were identified during the thematic analysis: (a) a peaceful shore, a place to anchor; b) together we stand, united we thrive; c) we share this theatre together; and d) taught me to be open and cry without flinching.

A Course-Based Qualitative Exploration into the Views of CYC Students on the Use of Harm Reduction Strategies for High-Risk Youth

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The purpose of this course-based research study was to examine child and youth care (CYC) students’ attitudes toward of the use of harm-reduction programs and services for high-risk youth. In this qualitative interpretive inquiry, an open-ended, scenario-based questionnaire was used to collect data via email. A non-probability purposive sampling strategy was applied to recruit 16 CYC student participants. The thematic analysis method defined by Braun and Clarke (2006) was used to identify three main themes: a) a safe place free of physical and emotional harm, b) relationships really matter, and c) support versus control is the CYC way.