Child and Youth Care Undergraduate Students' Perceptions of Their Learning Environment: A Qualitative Course-Based Study

Abstract : This course-based inquiry, situated within the interpretivist paradigm, explored how child and youth care (CYC) students at MacEwan University perceive their learning environment. A purposive non-probability sampling strategy was used to recruit participants from all four years of the CYC program. A triangulated data-collection approach was used to ensure the credibility and trustworthiness of the findings by drawing on multiple data-sources. Participants were given the option to participate in an online survey or an online interview. Both options included an art-based activity component. Four overarching themes were identified during the thematic analysis: (a) a peaceful shore, a place to anchor; b) together we stand, united we thrive; c) we share this theatre together; and d) taught me to be open and cry without flinching.