Photography based research methods, such as photovoice, are increasingly being used in education research as a way to gather deeper and richer information about the lived experiences of students. These methods use photographs to elicit reflection and meaning-making. In Photovoice, a participatory action research method, participants (in our case, students) can use photography to visually represent their experiences in a way that may be difficult to express with words alone. Together with written narratives, the photographs can tell a powerful story about issues that the community may be facing.
The Office of Student Affairs Research and Assessment has collaborated with campus partners to conduct several photography based projects. Each of these projects have been aligned with strategic priorities within Student Affairs, such as students’ sense of belonging on campus and student well-being. Please take a look at some of the photographs and reflections our students have submitted through these projects!