Look both ways before crossing: Using a triangulation of art-based methods to transform student – staff relationships as it relates to school climate

By engaging in an art(s)-based action research case study, youth from a Montréal school considered student-staff relationships as they relate to school climate. Three arts-based data collection methods (timeline, relational map, and photovoice) were used to gain awareness on how relationships with staff constituted the primary determinant of student behavior, student engagement, and a robust school climate. Positive relationships were found to be facilitated by staff who authentically engage with students’ lives outside the classroom, demonstrate equity and discretion in classroom management practices, and allow for redemption following rule infractions or conflicts. With the goal of enacting sustainable change in the school environment, participants collaborated in drafting a Call to Action addressed to the school’s administration, advocating for the creation of a student council as a space to voice their positions, build better communication with staff, and foster a healthy school climate. The paper thus illustrates how art(s) based action-research can contribute to transforming school environments.