Adolescent identity through authentic stories: Action research

Abstract

During Semester 2 of 2018, 12 Year 12 Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) boys at Mazenod College participated in an action research project to determine how an exploration of their own cultural heritage might encourage a deeper sense of Identity. Their maturity as 18-year-olds gave the boys a new perspective on family stories and the motivation to gain deeper meaning through adult conversations. As a result of analysis and interpretation of the boys’ responses to questionnaires, Interviews, and their final video, it was apparent that the majority experienced a growth in self-knowledge and understanding.