Exploring the Transformative Power of Arts-Based Research in Education: A Journey of Inquiry, Reflection, and Social Change

This paper delves into the transformative potential of arts-based research in education, tracing a journey of inquiry, reflection, and social change. Drawing on literature from education, qualitative research, and the arts, the paper examines how arts-based research methodologies can offer innovative ways of understanding, representing, and disseminating knowledge about educational phenomena. It discusses the unique affordances of arts-based approaches, such as visual arts, performance, and narrative inquiry, in eliciting rich, multi-sensory data and engaging participants in the research process. The paper highlights the role of creativity, imagination, and embodiment in generating insights, challenging assumptions, and fostering empathy and understanding among researchers and participants. It explores the potential of arts-based research to address complex social issues, amplify marginalized voices, and catalyze social change through its aesthetic and emotional impact. Through case studies and examples, the paper showcases diverse applications of arts-based research in education, including photo-elicitation studies, arts-based interviews, and collaborative arts projects with communities. Additionally, the paper addresses methodological considerations and ethical challenges in conducting arts-based research, such as ensuring participant consent, navigating power dynamics, and interpreting non-verbal expressions. It concludes by advocating for a broader recognition of the value of arts-based research in education and its potential to transform both research practices and educational experiences.