The project of the week: Researching family differently with children (MiKA)

The project ‘Researching family differently with children (MiKA)’ works with primary school pupils to explore how children perceive family diversity. In participatory research workshops, pupils work with a research team led by Prof. Ulrike Zartler (University of Vienna) to analyse representations of family in their everyday lives, develop concept cartoons and exchange different perspectives.

A central goal of the project is the development of a set of cards entitled ‘Family Colourful. Discovery cards on family diversity, which offers teachers a simple way of addressing the topic in the classroom and implementing it didactically. In addition to the pupils, student teachers from the Vienna University of Teacher Education play a key role in the project: they are involved in the entire research process and evaluate the material in their practical classes in primary schools, among other things.

By working closely with schools and actively involving the children, the project not only strengthens social science skills, but also promotes sensitivity and communication skills in dealing with diversity.

You can find more information about the ‘MiKA’ project here.