FROM COMMUNITY TO INDIVIDUAL. RE-THINKING PHOTOVOICE METHODOLOGY FOR EDUCATION RESEARCH

There are scholar opinions warning that both quantitative and qualitative methodologies share strengths and weaknesses when applied to academic learning research (Richardson, 2000; 2013). The present article aims to shed light on the use of visual methodologies to investigate learning in academic contexts. An argument is made that education and learning research can benefit from the integration of visual data. This positional article grounds on two pillars. The first is to support and emphasize the value of photovoice methodology in the field of education and learning research, specifically. The second is to provide a framework to conduct a photovoice project. Drawing upon a research study conducted by the author, the article unfolds the main phases in applying photovoice to research learning patterns in higher education. Thus, the paper discusses the essential features of photovoice in the context of learning research, presents the main stages in applying the methodology: recruiting the participants, organizing the initial group meetings, data collection and analysis. Benefits of applying photovoice in educational contexts are pointed out. (C) 2017 Published by Future Academy www.FutureAcademy.org.uk