https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/339 2026-09-19T13:45:36Z 2026-09-19T13:45:36Z Cassar, Joanne https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/149233 2026-09-18T07:27:35Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The use of vignettes as a reflexive tool for LGBTIQ+ students Authors: Cassar, Joanne Abstract: This chapter explores the potential of vignettes in school textbooks and workbooks as a reflexive tool for supporting identity development and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, intersex, queer, plus (LGBTIQ+) youth. The focus on vignettes stems from their potential in classroom contexts to offer a distinctive approach in fostering self-awareness and self-discovery among LGBTIQ+ youth in particular. The chapter, however, posits that vignettes could be an effective, reflexive tool in educational settings not only for them, but for all students. The chapter brings together insights on reflexivity, use of vignettes and aspects of LGBTIQ+ students’ lives - three elements that are intertwined together to explore aspects of transformative learning at school. Finally, the chapter shows that as a reflexive and pedagogical tool, vignettes can potentially facilitate dialogue among students, “normalise” diverse experiences, foster empathy, and encourage critical thinking about internalised biases and societal norms.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Cassar, Joanne https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/148875 2026-09-02T10:11:21Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Young people in Malta Authors: Cassar, Joanne Abstract: Young people experience their adolescence in myriad ways that do not depend only on their personal traits but also on geo-political and socio-cultural contexts in which they live. For a great number of young people adolescence is marked by significant changes that propel them to make decisions and establish their position in the social world. Young people's transitions to adulthood are increasingly becoming more complex, since these offer them an array of non- linear trajectories which could be difficult to traverse (Cieslik & Pollock, 2002). This is also the case for young people in Malta, who are being affected by globalisation, communication technology and western European culture in general. [excerpt]

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z Cassar, Joanne https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/136934 2025-07-07T10:08:14Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Posthuman conceptualisations of young people’s sexualities Authors: Cassar, Joanne Abstract: Posthumanism holds a direct focus on materiality and centralises the role of nonhuman, agents in the understanding of phenomena. The aim of this paper is to locate the understanding of young people's sexualities within posthuman perspectives. Specifically, the paper refers mainly to Karen Barad’s work to conceptualise the understanding of young people's sexual selves. The presence of numerous sexuality discourses that surround their lives is acknowledged as a starting point in the understanding of their sexual relations. The recognition that matter and discursive formations in language are intertwined has led to a conceptual shift that is influencing conceptualisations of young people’s sexualities, and how research on young people's sexual selves is framed and conducted. The paper argues that the posthuman turn provides a productive framework for understanding the multi-faceted complexities surrounding the sexualities of young people.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/131479 2025-02-03T16:10:10Z 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Academic oration : Il-politika tat-tama. Delivered on 24 March 2022 at the congregation for the conferment of postgraduate degrees at the University of Malta Abstract: Gradwati u professjonisti godda, nixtieq nifirhilkom kemm tas-success misthoqq taghkom, kif ukoll nixtieq nifrah lill-qraba u lill-gheziez taghkom Ii qasmu maghkom dan il-vjagg tal-istudji taghkom matul dawn l-ahhar snin. Ghal hafna minnkom kienu snin ta' taghlim, ta' zvilupp personali, u ta' esplorazzjoni fil-hsieb f'dixxiplini diversi. Kien hemm ukoll waqtiet ta' sagrificcju. Dan kollu wassalkom sal-gurnata specjali tal-lum. [excerpt]

2022-01-01T00:00:00Z