Co-Learning Activities
What We Learned Together
Sharing what youth taught us through co-learning and co-creation
Throughout this project, we learned that collaboration, imagination, and fun can open the door to deeper learning, richer conversations, and new ways of understanding research together.
Before diving into our insights and the practices that worked for us, remember that these activities can be adapted to different topics. We are simply sharing how we used them, and hope they inspire you to adapt, mix, and match them in your own context.
How to share together
Getting to Know Each Other
At the start, take time to introduce yourselves and learn each other’s names. These early moments of connection help create a more open and welcoming space.
Setting the Tone for an Open Discussion
Co-learning with youth, our first question was: what do you not like about science class or what do you find annoying? This sets the tone that we value and are interested in their experiences and perspectives, also with the intention that they can speak negatively about science and that’s ok.
Listening More Than Talking
We spent little time talking and presented just enough information for them to start the co-creation activity. We were at least two people during the activity to answer questions, provide guidance and support as needed (and take notes!).
Be Mindful of our Assumptions
For the first activity, we brought paper and markers and printed out handouts, thinking that our participants were tired of screens. But we learned that it said more about us than them. They were keen to create their own powerpoint presentation or use other online tools.
Be Flexible to Different Rhythms
Adapt to the group and participants needs. Some participants may do things quickly and lose interest, while others may seek perfection and require more time. When this happened, we made connections to doing research, for example, having timing constraints or not being able to do things exactly as planned.
Make Time for Reflection
Each session finished with sharing the creations, whether done individually or in small groups, and a debrief about the session itself over pizza. Because of the reflection, the activity becomes more than an experience. It becomes a moment of shared learning.
Learning Together
One of our key insights was that we can all be both teachers and learners. When we learn together in dialogue and take genuine interest in what each person contributes, knowledge becomes something we co-create rather than receive.
