‘Dear Headteacher’ – Using an Emotion-Based Resource to Explore the Experience of Youth Co-Research in schools.

Abstract

This tutorial details how an emotion-based resource, developed across several youth co-research projects, can offer valuable insights into the lived experiences of youth co-researchers. The resource is introduced to readers through four steps: 1) Identify prompts and key learning moments; 2) Introduce emotion words; 3) Discuss and explore together; 4) Taking the insights forward. The paper offers practical value to participatory researchers by sharing examples of how co-research teams can engage with the resource to explore the experiences of children and young people (CYP) as co-researchers. To illustrate this, the tutorial presents a letter entitled ‘Dear Headteacher’, compiled by two youth researchers who developed their responses after working with the resource. This is just one example of how the insights and discussions that emerge through the resource can contribute meaningfully to the wider research landscape.