Using Images as Catalysts for Expression: Photolanguage

Using Images as Catalysts for Expression:

Photolanguage

Presented by:Presented by:

Dr. Rebecca WhiteDr. Rebecca WhiteDr. Diane SasserDr. Diane SasserDebbie HurlbertDebbie HurlbertDr. Robert RichardDr. Robert Richard

With contributions by:With contributions by:Dr. Melissa CaterDr. Melissa CaterKatherine Pace Katherine Pace

12/16/0912/16/09Ongoing Website – http://nc4-heval.wikispaces.comOngoing Website – http://nc4-heval.wikispaces.com

Today’s Presenters

Diane Sasser, Debbie Hurlbert, Becky White

B

Robert Richard

Webinar Agenda3:00-3:10 Welcome and orientation to the Elluminate system

3:10-3:25 Photolanguage: What is it? – Dr. Rebecca White

3:25-3:40 Photolanguage Process – Dr. Diane Sasser

3:40-3:50 Photolanguage Method – Dr. Rebecca White

3:50-4:00 Examples of Photos – Dr. Diane Sasser

4:00-4:15 CYFAR CASE program: an Example of Use of Photolanguage – Debbie Hurlbert

4:15-4:30 La. 4-H Challenge Camp: an Example of Use of Photolanguage - Dr. Robert Richard

4:30-4:40 Questions and Discussion

4:40-4:50 Evaluation of the webinar

4:50-5:00 Final questions and comments

VOTE

• Have you ever conducted a focus group?– Yes or No

• Have you ever conducted a focus group where participants did not talk very much? – Yes or No

Photolanguage: What is it?

• Enhancing communication through photographs

B

Photolanguage

• Photographs are symbolic and speak to the viewer

B

Introduction

• Each participant is invited to look at photographs and respond spontaneously, affectively, subjectively, and then react to them.

• The point is to be moved inwardly by the images.

B

Origins of Photolanguage

• Pierre Babin, Claire Belisle and Alain Baptiste

• Paolo Freire

• Carl Rogers

B

Photolanguage Origins (cont.)

• First published in 1968

• Purpose - discover a language relevant to visually oriented youth of media age.

• Photolanguage series produced for countries in Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, Latin America, Australia

B

Photolanguage in Australia

• Pierre Babin

• Jan Cooney

• Claire Belisle

B

Photolanguage Australia

• Catholic Communications Centre and the Catholic Education Office

• Special project for the International Year of Peace• Catholic Education Office Bookshop, Sydney

38 Renwick Street New South Wales - LEICHHARDT (2040) AUSTRALIA Phone  02 9568 8221 Email  publications@ceosyd.catholic.edu.au

B

Photolanguage

• Photographs involved the application of cultural, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and photographic criteria.

• Collection included 130 photos

B

Using Photolanguage

– Youth– Staff Development– Special Education– Personal Development Programs– Educational Program Evaluation

B

VOTE

• How would you describe the groups you typically work with?A. Youth

B. Families

C. Agricultural

D. Community development

E. Other

The Photolanguage Process

• Two personal components– the creativity of the photographer – the projections of the viewer

D

The Photolanguage Process Requires:

1. Evocative photos

2. Small groups

3. Environment

4. Sufficient time

5. An experienced facilitator

6. Consideration of purposeD

Evocative Photos

• Photos speak to us at different levels of meaning.

• These are the images which speak the language of symbol.

D

D

Small Groups

• Designed for use in small groups of people

• Voluntary participation D

Environment

• Comfortable

• Relaxed

• Isolated

• Adequate space

D

Sufficient Time

• Adequate time is essential– For introduction of task– Personal choice of photos– Group exchange

D

An Experienced Facilitator

• Experience in group dynamics

• Understanding of Photolanguage process

• Facilitator sensitivity

D

An Experienced Facilitator

• Unobtrusive

• Non-manipulative

• Sensitive to the needs of individuals in the group.

• Listening

D

Consideration of Purpose

• Discovery• Evaluation using qualitative design

employing focus group methodD

Example of Impact:ArtReach Afterschool Program

• No Photolanguage– 22 avg. words/response

– Use of short phrases or simple words

– Provided little explanation for likes/dislikes

– Only responded directly to questions

– Some suggestions irrational/unjustified

– Described limited benefits of the program

• With Photolanguage– 82 words/response

– Emotionally expressive

– Descriptive-not “yes-no”

– Provided extensive explanation/examples of likes/dislikes

– Justified suggestions for the program

– Exhibited enthusiasm & involvement in process

– Described multiple benefits

D

Photolanguage Method

- Study a theme

- Opportunity for personal expression

- Stimulate discussion

- Determine outcomes and impacts

- Compile results of an experience

- Evaluate a program

B

The Method

1) Photo Arrangement

2) Groups Assembly and Focus Questions

3) Choice of photos

4) Exchange of Reflections in Group

B

Photo Arrangement

Step 1. Arrange photos

B

Group Assembly and Focus Question

• Assemble the group• Reflect on a focus question• Familiarize members with

language of picturesB

Choice of Photos

• Participants view photos

• Participants select photos and return to place

B

Exchange of Reflections in Group

• Members are invited to share the significance of their photo (s)

• Facilitator acknowledges personal contribution by smile, nod or ‘thank you”

• Other considerations for evaluators

B

Evaluator Protocol

• Group member introduction• Evaluation introduces program evaluation

question • Summation

B

A Sampling of Photos

Summary

• Photographs symbolic and speak to viewer

• Photographs involve the application of cultural, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and photographic criteria

• May be used in variety of group settings• Follows structured method• Focused questions

B

Contact Information for Presenters

Dr. Rebecca White – bwhite@agctr.lsu.eduDr. Diane Sasser – dsasser@agctr.lsu.eduDebbie Hurlbert – dhurlbert@agcenter.lsu.eduDr. Robert Richard – seven-oaks@cox.net

For examples of use of Photolanguage in Louisiana see Part 2 of this PowerPoint presentation.