Refugee Children’s Perspective on Pandemic Learning in the United States: A Case Study
Format Type
Plenary
Format Type
Paper
Start Date
14-1-2021 10:45 AM
End Date
14-1-2021 11:05 AM
Abstract
How do refugee children learn and cope in the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States? In this case study, I utilize sociocultural theory and draw upon Bakhtin’s (1982) notion of the dialogic self to explore two Iraqi refugee children’s perspective on learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in a southern U.S. state. Based on data generated from participatory visual ethnography methods via online tools in a 6-month period, multiple themes emerged in refugee children’s perspective on pandemic learning, including (a) restructuring of communities of learning (b) children’s agency, and (c) influence of pre-migration experience on children’s resilience. I conclude the paper by exploring the implications for educators and community organizers as they support the well-being of second-generation refugee children and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.
Keywords
Covid-19, refugee children, online learning, case study
Refugee Children’s Perspective on Pandemic Learning in the United States: A Case Study
How do refugee children learn and cope in the Covid-19 pandemic in the United States? In this case study, I utilize sociocultural theory and draw upon Bakhtin’s (1982) notion of the dialogic self to explore two Iraqi refugee children’s perspective on learning during the Covid-19 pandemic in a southern U.S. state. Based on data generated from participatory visual ethnography methods via online tools in a 6-month period, multiple themes emerged in refugee children’s perspective on pandemic learning, including (a) restructuring of communities of learning (b) children’s agency, and (c) influence of pre-migration experience on children’s resilience. I conclude the paper by exploring the implications for educators and community organizers as they support the well-being of second-generation refugee children and their families during the Covid-19 pandemic and beyond.