Posting 2

Today was the first day I met one of my year 9 classes and it was to good to get back into it after the summer break. I introduced students to the general idea of Photovoice by giving them the assignment sheet based on the suggestions of Bronwyn Wood, a New Zealand social studies educationalist. Essentially it explained that students would be going into the local community and taking pictures of things that they were proud of, made them feel like they belonged or things they would miss if they weren't there and things that made them sad/mad,wanted to change or do something about.

First I got them to list some opposing attributes such as clean/dirty, safe/unsafe, light/dark etc. Then I got them to get into a pair with someone they would like to work with and then I put the pairs together with as much of a gender mix as possible. Each group then had an A3 Google Map of the local area and using their own knowledge plus the opposing attributes brainstorm, plotted a 45 minute tour of where they could go to take the photographs. The engagement for this activity was really good. Every group was fully into planning their route and they were really excited at the prospect of being allowed to leave the school.

I then gave them a set of 6 suggestions for what makes a good photo, courtesy of Bronwyn. They were things like using light well, being quick, focusing on the thing to highlight etc...With a big pile of National Geographics they had to find some images that reflected these suggestions of a good photo which we discussed. Next time I would have some other types of magazine such as Time but this activity got them thinking about photograph composition.

After a brief run down on how the cameras worked, out they went into the playground to take 3 photos each of anything, as long as it was composed well. After 10 minutes or so we came back with only a few minutes of class time left.

I downloaded their photos after school and we will start the next period by reviewing their photos in light of the tips sheet. Some of them are really good for a 10 minute photo shoot. Next time I see them I will also send them out - hopefully the weather will be ok...It will be interesting to see if they take photos of things they genuinely care about or what they think I want them to take photos of. Many wanted to go to Cuba Mall. Hopefully to take photographs! But if that is a place they care about they might be interested in the Council's decision to remove a big section of Manner's Mall for a bus lane. I might also take a photocopy of the routes they have planned, to help me if something does go wrong. Obviously all parents have given their consent for this kind of activity. Students may need to plan two trips though to get a decent range of photographs. I also suggested they take pictures from around their own neighbourhood if they have a camera.

It was a great way to start the year's social studies. Hopefully the other class gets into it tomorrow as well.