Photovoice: An active learning tool with community nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Pedagogical Innovation
• Community Health

Background:

• Active learning strategies are crucial for developing critical thinking in nursing students.
• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted health inequities affecting vulnerable populations.
• Photovoice offers a unique method for visual storytelling and community engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate nursing students' experiences with photovoice as an active learning tool.
• To assess its impact on critical reflection and emotional development in a community context.

Main Methods:

• A descriptive, cross-sectional mixed-method study involving 108 nursing students.
• Utilized questionnaires and thematic analysis of student reflections on community photographs.
• Focused on the pandemic's impact on vulnerable populations.

Main Results:

• 89% of students found photovoice stimulated reflection on social and health inequities.
• 82% reported enhanced emotional development, and 78% deemed it a useful nursing tool.
• Key themes included critical reflection, emotional skill development, and encouraging action.

Conclusions:

• Photovoice is a successful pedagogical approach for nursing education, promoting critical awareness and community connection.
• It enhances student sensitivity, motivation, and encourages proactive engagement.
• Educators should adopt innovative methods like photovoice to support nursing student development.