NW 20 Workshop: Exploring Diversity Through Photovoice and Active Learning: A Participatory Action Research Approach
Diversity is an integral aspect of our increasingly interconnected world, and understanding its multifaceted dimensions is crucial for fostering inclusive and equitable communities, organizations, and institutions. This workshop seeks to shed light on innovative research methodologies, Photovoice and Active Learning, as potent tools for investigating diversity through a Participatory Action Research (PAR) lens.
Photovoice, a qualitative research technique, empowers participants to capture their experiences visually and narratively, providing an authentic platform for the expression of diverse perspectives (Wang & Burris, 1997). PhotoVoice includes critical reflections of social, political, cultural, and community factors using photographic images (Sitter, 2017; Wang, 1999). Rooted in feminist theories of inclusion and empowerment, participants determine the direction and goals of the project by taking photographs of community experiences that affect their everyday lives (Latz, 2017; Schumann et al., 2019).
Active Learning, on the other hand, engages participants in interactive, collaborative activities, fostering dialogue, self-reflection, and the exchange of diverse viewpoints (Prince, 2004).
The workshop will feature a rich tapestry of insights, experiences, and case studies, demonstrating how Photovoice and Active Learning can be seamlessly integrated into a PAR framework to address diversity comprehensively.
Key themes to be explored during the workshop include:
The transformative power of Photovoice: How visual narratives empower marginalized communities to voice their experiences and challenge existing notions of diversity (Wang, 1999).
Active Learning as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue: Strategies for designing interactive learning activities that promote critical thinking, self-awareness, and empathy in the context of diversity (Bonwell & Eison, 1991).
Active learning methods presume that the educator has high expectations of all the learners and will delegate a lot of the learning process to their learners. Active learning motivates learners to explore by giving them ownership of the learning process, empowering them and helping them see that they have a role in society.
Ethical considerations and practical challenges: Discussions on ethical considerations when working with diverse groups and addressing practical challenges in implementing these methodologies.
Thus, the workshop aims to foster a collaborative and inclusive environment where participants can exchange ideas, best practices, and insights, and inspire future research and action in the field of diversity studies. Together, we will explore how Photovoice and Active Learning, when embedded in the PAR framework, have the potential to drive positive change and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in our ever-evolving society.
