Youth Research Methodology Seminar

Context

In the context of the European youth programmes (Erasmus+ Youth and European Solidarity Corps), the amount and diversity of youth research has increased alongside the growth of both European youth programmes. Since 2008, the RAY Network – an open, growing, self-governed European research network of National Agencies of the European youth programmes and their research partners – has conducted not only an ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the European youth programmes, but also implemented thematic research projects on topics such as young people’s active citizenship or youth workers’ professional development. In complementarity, National Agencies have conducted research in national contexts, both within and beyond RAY, and encouraged beneficiaries of the European youth programmes to draw on, and undertake, research more consistently. As a result, more and more projects have begun to integrate research as a component in their projects.

Until now, there has been no opportunity for those conducting these different research projects and strands, to discuss and reflect on the methodology of youth research in the context of the European youth programmes. With this seminar, the RAY Network would like to take a first step to provide a space for youth research practitioners and stakeholders to explore conceptual and methodological questions and challenges.

Aims & objectives

The main aim of the seminar is to explore, discuss and further develop research methodologies of transnational, intercultural and interdisciplinary youth research in the context of the European youth programmes.

The following objectives have been set for the seminar, which seeks to:

• Explore common challenges around qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research in the European youth programmes
• Share experiences and practices across research projects within the framework of the European youth programmes
• Discuss future challenges of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method research in the European youth programmes

Participants

All those interested in the methodologies of transnational, intercultural and interdisciplinary youth research in the context of the European youth programmes are invited to attend and contribute to the seminar, including but not limited to:

• Research partners of the RAY Network at national and transnational level
• Research partners of strategic partnerships in Key Actions 2 and 3
• Research partners of long-term projects (LTEs/SNACs) of National Agencies of the European youth programmes
• Youth research stakeholders interested in discussing youth research methodology

We use the term ‘youth research stakeholders’ very openly. Whether you have conducted project evaluations, undertaken youth surveys, implemented or interpreted semi-structured interviews, facilitated or summarised focus groups –you are welcome!

Programme

The draft programme is attached. Pl note, times and sessions are tentative.

Hosts

The RAY Methodology Seminar is co-hosted by the National Agencies of the European youth programmes from Finland (host) and Germany (co-host). The activity is organised within the framework of the RAY Network (Research based analysis of the European youth programmes). The RAY Network Coordination (situated at the Finnish National Agency) and the RAY Transnational Research Team (situated at Youth Policy Labs in Berlin) will lead and coordinate the preparation process and the implementation of the seminar.

Accessibility and sustainability

Our activities are accessible to people with disabilities. If you need a support person, accessible room and transport or supporting tools, we will provide it for you. You can tell us your needs already beforehand so that we can be ready.

We take sustainability in consideration where we can. We advise you to use environment-friendly means of transport whenever possible. We also encourage you to contact your own National Agency to find out how they support low-emission travelling to activities abroad.