Using Images as Catalysts for Expression: Photolanguage

1. Using Images as Catalysts for Expression: Photolanguage Presented by: Dr. Rebecca White Dr. Diane Sasser Debbie Hurlbert Dr. Robert Richard With contributions by: Dr. Melissa Cater Katherine Pace 12/16/09Ongoing Website – http://nc4-heval.wikispaces.com

2. Today’s Presenters Robert Richard Diane Sasser, Debbie Hurlbert, Becky White B

3. Webinar Agenda 3:00-3:10 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

4. 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

5. Photolanguage: What is it? • Enhancing communication through photographs B

6. Photolanguage • Photographs are symbolic and speak to the viewer B

7. 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

8. Origins of Photolanguage • Pierre Babin, Claire Belisle and Alain Baptiste • Paolo Freire • Carl Rogers B

9. 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

10. Photolanguage in Australia • Pierre Babin • Jan Cooney • Claire Belisle B

11. Photolanguage Australia • Catholic Communications Centre and the Catholic Education Office • Special project for the International Year of Peace • Catholic Education Office Bookshop, Sydney38 Renwick Street New South Wales - LEICHHARDT (2040) AUSTRALIA Phone  02 9568 8221 Email  publications@ceosyd.catholic.edu.au B

12. Photolanguage • Photographs involved the application of cultural, sociological, psychological, spiritual, and photographic criteria. • Collection included 130 photos B

13. Using Photolanguage • Youth • Staff Development • Special Education • Personal Development Programs • Educational Program Evaluation B

14. VOTE • How would you describe the groups you typically work with? • Youth • Families • Agricultural • Community development • Other

15. The Photolanguage Process • Two personal components • the creativity of the photographer • the projections of the viewer D

16. The Photolanguage Process Requires: 1. Evocative photos 2. Small groups 3. Environment 4. Sufficient time 5. An experienced facilitator 6. Consideration of purpose D

17. Evocative Photos • Photos speak to us at different levels of meaning. • These are the images which speak the language of symbol. D

18. D

19. Small Groups • Designed for use in small groups of people • Voluntary participation D

20. Environment • Comfortable • Relaxed • Isolated • Adequate space D

21. Sufficient Time • Adequate time is essential • For introduction of task • Personal choice of photos • Group exchange D

22. An Experienced Facilitator • Experience in group dynamics • Understanding of Photolanguage process • Facilitator sensitivity D

23. An Experienced Facilitator • Unobtrusive • Non-manipulative • Sensitive to the needs of individuals in the group. • Listening D

24. Consideration of Purpose • Discovery • Evaluation using qualitative design employing focus group method D

25. 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

26. Photolanguage Method • Study a theme • Opportunity for personal expression • Stimulate discussion • Determine outcomes and impacts • Compile results of an experience • Evaluate a program B

27. The Method • Photo Arrangement • Groups Assembly and Focus Questions • Choice of photos • Exchange of Reflections in Group B

28. Photo Arrangement Step 1. Arrange photos B

29. Group Assembly and Focus Question • Assemble the group • Reflect on a focus question • Familiarize members with language of pictures B

30. Choice of Photos • Participants view photos • Participants select photos and return to place B

31. 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

32. Evaluator Protocol • Group member introduction • Evaluation introduces program evaluation question • Summation B

33. A Sampling of Photos

50. 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