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Question:
Can you please elaborate on the steps to conducting Photovoice research? Please detail regarding the following topics regarding: English Learner Perceptions of Language Learning Based on Their Perceptions of Belonging. (Research is for ELLs grades 3-5 ages 8-10 in an Elementary School and includes Focus Groups.)
1- Student participant selection from ELL population.
2- Letters of Consent/Assent (Parent/Student Participant)
3- How to/which training/s to schedule participation in focus group and photovoice research/feedback for parents/student participants.
4- How to present data/photos of research.
5- Anything else that should be part of research, please.
4- Best equipment for photography? (cell phones, disposable cameras, other?)
Answer:

Hello, thank you for your questions about using Photovoice research in the classroom.
Generally, be sure to review the Community Tool Box's section on Implementing Photovoice in Your Community for directions and rationale for using Photovoice. Specific answers and implementations will very, depending on your goals for the process. We do not have specific experience using Photovoice in the area of language learning, but it can definitely can be used to help students or teachers understand challenges with the approach.
In addition, you may be able to find online reports, articles, and websites devoted to implementing Photovoice in specific areas. See, for example, Ferdiansyah et. al's 2020 Photovoice in the English as an Additional Language (EAL) Writing Classroom: No Need to Rush to Love Writing Because Love Will Grow with Time
The CTB section on Photovoice has more details on recruiting participants, but I'd encourage you to start by considering the story that you want to document and tell. For example, who do you want represented? You could include all learners in terms, or just a representative sample of those that are the most challenged. Photovoice is not overly prescriptive on participants, and your recruitment and selection will depend on the goal of the project.
If the participants have access to cell phones, they are the easiest and most convenient solution. Smartphone cameras have excellent quality and make it easy to process and share results. Disposable cameras can be another option. In any case, high-end equipment is not necessary.
You may find some examples of sharing photovoice findings and exhibiting your results in the CTB's Photovoice section. You can also create written documents, hold media events, make public presentations, and/or offer a photovoice exhibit. If you are planning to exhibit results, you may want access to a projector, but posters and other methods work well.
You may find other examples and discussion around how to write letters of consent and informational statements on the internet, but a good starting point is the Joint Commission's 2022 primer on Informed Consent (pdf)

Question Date: Thu, 09/19/2024