Re/Constructing "the Adolescent": Sign, Symbol and Body

Jennifer A. Vadeboncoeur & Lisa Patel Stevens, Editors
(2005, Peter Lang, New York)

Kerry A. Collins, Photography & Design

Jennifer A. Vadeboncoeur

"Flexible Landscapes: ReImagining Educational Spaces With Young People"

"Though we have much evidence to show that the current structure of schooling is not working effectively for many students across Australia, the UK, and the US, the current policy context emphasizes an increase in compulsory schooling and participation phases, as well as expanding curriculum and assessment requirements. This change in expectations for students is not being met with a concurrent change in expectations for teachers and pedagogical relationships."

Vadeboncoeur's research draws on an 18 month study of six programs designed to reengage "disengaged youths." More broadly, Vadeboncoeur's research includes work with young people and teachers in flexible learning settings, such as alternative programs for completing high school requirements and youth organizations. Through ethnographic research, she explores a set of sociocultural research questions that examine the relationships between young people and adults; the social languages and discourses they take up, employ, and transform; as well as the ways in which flexible settings for learning are structured for and with young people.

A special issue of Mind, Culture and Activity 13(3) on Semiotic, Dialogic and Material Spaces, edited by Jennifer A. Vadeboncoeur, Alex Kostogriz, and Elizabeth Hirst was published in 2006..