Latina mothers in participatory action research: Insights and reflections of a mathematics co-design session tool

Abstract

Co-design methods offer a powerful collaborative approach that allows for integrating various participants’ needs and expectations in the design process. However, current co-design tools often reflect a Eurocentric bias, limiting their utility in diverse settings. This article explores co-design methodologies and their application in a study with Spanish-speaking Latina mothers living in Southern California. I focus on co-design tools and processes, integrating culturally sustaining methods that respect and value the lived experiences of Latina mothers. Drawing from a qualitative phenomenological research approach and using in-depth interviews, the study underscores the mothers’ ways of knowing, highlighting personal math experiences and traditions in co-design sessions where the mothers sought to develop a math activity for their children. The article contributes to the literature on co-design methodologies to include culturally inclusive research tools and practices, emphasizing a co-design process that works “with” rather than “for” nondominant social groups.