Meaningful Research Projects

Perspectives from High School Students

Abstract

This study explored what students view as meaningful in a curriculum-based research project. A participatory action research approach was used to investigate the experiences of one classroom teacher and nine students while completing a curriculum-based research project in a senior level high school English course. The design of the research project was based upon the students’ shared definition and understanding about what comprised a ‘meaningful’ assignment. Choice, relevance, reflection and application were considered essential components by the students. Feelings played a primary role in the choices made and significantly influenced student learning and project completion.