Picturing the Urban Environment: Using Photovoice to Bring University Students’ Views and Voices into Urban Environmental Education

Abstract

AbstractIn the context of urban environmental education with a place-based approach, we carried out a trial application of photovoice – a participatory research method that uses photography and group discussions to examine personal or community issues. Eleven university students photographed and talked about what they appreciate in the urban environment of the city they study in. Thematic analysis of students’ descriptions of their photographs showed that they appreciated biophysical elements in the city, mainly plants, green spaces, and sustainable practices like bicycles and recycling. Students were prompted to take photographs based on similarities or differences to their hometowns, memories from childhood and family, and acknowledgment of ecosystem services related to individual wellbeing and aesthetic pleasure. Although it is encouraging that these students attributed some ecological meaning to the city (urban flora, some ecosystem services and sustainable practices), their urban environment perceptions need to be broadened to include other living organisms besides plants and other urban ecosystem services besides aesthetics. This study showed that photovoice is a valuable tool to study local environments. Challenges regarding its application are discussed.KeywordsUrban Environmental EducationPhotovoicePlace-based educationEcological place meaningEcosystem servicesUniversity