ABSTRACT
The complexities of providing appropriate and equitable support for international students have grown even more challenging following the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, by employing participatory design methodologies, university staff can research with student partners to enable students to become the co-decision-makers and co-creators of their learning experiences and/or new co-curricular activities. In this chapter, we will provide an overview of participatory design, highlighting specific approaches that staff can use to engage in co-research with students. To further showcase the contributions of students, two international student partners and co-authors, Samridhi and Thuy-Ann, will also share their insights and ideas on how co-design could have enhanced their student experiences through fictional narratives. We will conclude with key reflections and practical suggestions to encourage staff to take on participatory design approaches in future research projects.
