The Relationship between Praxis and Practice Confidence amongst Child and Youth Care Students

Abstract

This course-based research project examines the perceptions of child and youth care (CYC) students of the relationship between practice confidence and praxis. The specific research question was: What is the relationship between the concept of praxis, as taught throughout the CYC undergraduate program at MacEwan University, and levels of selfconfidence self-reported by CYC student practitioners in the field? An exploratory qualitative research design located within the interpretive paradigm provided the theoretical and methodological framework for the research project. Data was collected using an innovative arts-based method, and a thematic analysis revealed three main themes: (a) authenticity, (b) intentionality, and (c) importance of knowledge. The result of this course-based research project suggest that learning about praxis in the classroom has a significant impact on CYC student’s level of self-confidence in the field of practice.