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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
This study describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of
a photovoice program for Social Education students from a Polytechnic
University in Portugal. The program was named ‘Ageism in Perspective’
and developed over six sessions during one semester. The design was
based on principles of the original photovoice methodology, along with
previous experiences of photovoice as an active and experiential learning
methodology in higher education. Implementation included theoretical-
pedagogical and ethical activities about the methodology (photovoice) and
the topic under exploration (ageism). It went practically-technologically
through the process of taking and presenting photographs in the group/
classes, ending with a seminar and exhibition open to the community to
share the main findings. Evaluation included a pre-posttest approach using
the Negative Stereotypes Toward Aging Questionnaire (CENVE) and a final
focus group addressing students’ overall experience with the program, the
photovoice approach, and the impact on their perspectives about ageism.
Participants (n = 45; mean age of 21.1, SD 4.1) were students of the second
year in the degree course of Social Education. There was a statistically significant
decrease in the CENVE score between the pre (30.1 ± 7.3) and the
post (21.5 ± 4.0) test, meaning lower stereotypes after the program.
Emerging themes from the focus group thematic analysis were (i) I am
more willing to interact with older adults; (ii) Photovoice booster multiple
perspectives and reflexivity; (iii) Becoming aware that ageism exists (even in
myself). Findings suggest that photovoice is a good pedagogical tool to
address students’ stereotypes about older adults, which should be as important
as addressing the syllabus content.