Abstract
In a world rich with visual stimuli, where imagery is fundamental to our construction and comprehension of ourselves, of nature, and of others, visual methods are increasingly recognised as vital tools for research. Visual methods draw on a range of qualitative approaches including auto-photography, visual mapping, films, collages, sculpture, and graffiti (Glaw et al., 2017). These media are used to explore additional, often latent layers of meaning, offering a rich data set, and arguably creating a deeper understanding than traditional research methods. This presentation will outline the range of visual methods available and their strengths and weaknesses. We will explore the different ways in which visual data can be understood, and offer an example of how we have used visual methods in sustainability research. Our research (currently underway) aims to explore staff and student conceptions of sustainability on a UK university campus. Research questions include consideration of the locations identified as embodying positive and negative elements of sustainability, and exploration of the ways in which visual and verbal articulations of sustainability encompass the environmental, social and economic elements. The project involves auto-photography (using a photo competition to gain access to visual images of sustainability on campus) and photo-elicitation (through focus groups using photographs as visual stimulus for discussion). We will analyse the photos as artefacts, as well as exploring the range of meanings that are attributed to them by focus group participants. Moving from the local context to the global, we consider the implications for understanding sustainability in wider contexts.
Presenters
Debby CottonDirector of Academic Practice and Professor of Higher Education, Director of the Sustainability, Creativity and Innovation Group (SCION), Plymouth Marjon University, Devon, United Kingdom Jennie Winter
Plymouth Marjon University
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
KEYWORDS
Environmental Education, Visual Methods, Informal Learning, Higher Education, Hidden Curriculum
