Using photovoice to explore the impact on a student community after including cross-sectional content on environmental sustainability in a university subject: a case study
International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education
ISSN: 1467-6370
Article publication date: 17 September 2020
Issue publication date: 11 December 2020
Abstract
Purpose
Higher education institutions have a significant impact in preparing future generations for the creation of a sustainable society. By formulating appropriate curricula, the university can shape student personality with sustainability concerns. This study aims to present the results of a teaching approach on environmental sustainability using the photovoice methodology. A guided visit to the sewage treatment plant of A Coruña was included as a teaching activity in the “Microbiology and Parasitology” classes of the podiatry degree at University of A Coruña. The teaching objectives were to reinforce contents through observation and to introduce citizen awareness on sustainability and responsible water use in a cross-sectional manner.
Design/methodology/approach
In this case study, different steps of photovoice as a qualitative participatory action methodology were developed. A total of 43 university students willingly participated with their photographs. Qualitative data were collected from the students’ photovoice visit reports and a subsequent discussion group. Thematic content analysis was performed manually.
Findings
This study explored the impact of an environmental sustainability teaching activity on the university student community. Six main categories emerged from the qualitative analysis: savings/waste of water, misuse of the water closet, disposing of used oil, solid waste/trash, reuse of clean water and reuse/reduction of the use of plastics. The cross-sectional findings on the needs of education and awareness of sustainability in the community and companies are presented.
Originality/value
The findings provide evidence of the ability of photovoice method as a pedagogical tool to promote reflection and change in the university community and to introduce sustainability cross-sectional content in green campus curricula. This photovoice experiment is simple and feasible to implement and has a very low economic cost, as long as there are qualified educators.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors acknowledge the first year students in podiatry degree (UDC) for their commitment and enthusiasm in participating in the experience described in this study.
Supported by the Xunta de Galicia (Competitive Reference Groups ED431C-2018/38), Spain.
Citation
Coronado, C., Freijomil-Vázquez, C., Fernández-Basanta, S., Andina-Díaz, E. and Movilla-Fernández, M.-J. (2020), "Using photovoice to explore the impact on a student community after including cross-sectional content on environmental sustainability in a university subject: a case study", International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, Vol. 21 No. 7, pp. 1331-1350. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSHE-01-2020-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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