Mode of Program Participation
Community Organizing and Educational Programming
Participation Type
Paper
Presentation #1 Title
Using Photovoice to Explore the Cultural Experiences of Students in Appalachia
Presentation #1 Abstract or Summary
The conference title “Extreme Appalachia!” represents an opportunity for conversations that acknowledge the many ways in which culture can be conceptualized in Appalachia, a topic that continues to be relevant. Identifying a set of common values, beliefs, and/or characteristics may assist some in understanding Appalachian cultural experiences. However, doing so simplifies a rather complex discussion, fails to acknowledge a multitude of perspectives, and ignores the intersectionality of diverse individual experiences. Therefore, the goal of this presentation is to discuss the use of photovoice as a pedagogical tool to facilitate an increased awareness of the multiplicity of cultural identities within Appalachia. Through photovoice, individuals are asked to use a camera to capture images that both communicate and honor their voices, experiences, and perspectives (Wang & Burris, 1997). Although photovoice has traditionally been used in participatory action research, more recently, this approach has also been used in the fields of education, healthcare, and mental health (Lenz & Sangganjanavanich, 2013; Massengale, Strack, Orsini, & Herget, 2016; Smith, Bratini, & Appio, 2012). The use of Photovoice in education provided a unique opportunity for students in a graduate-level counseling program at East Tennessee State University, located within the Appalachian region, to grow in awareness of their and others’ cultural identities and experiences. In this presentation, the use of photovoice in a social and cultural diversity class will be explored, and a former student of the class will present her photovoice project and discuss her experience. Implications for education and advocacy will also be provided.
At-A-Glance Bio- Presenter #1
Cassandra Pusateri is an Assistant Professor in the Counseling Program at East Tennessee State University. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Master of Arts degree in Counseling at East Tennessee State University, and Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Old Dominion University. Her current research interests are varied but include improving the provision of mental health services in Appalachia.
Lauren Penley is currently enrolled as a graduate student in the Counseling Program at East Tennessee State University. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from East Tennessee State University in 2014, with a focus on women’s rights, the HaShoah (more commonly referred to as the Holocaust), and the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi. Her current interests are varied, but center around promoting equality for all individuals.
Using Photovoice to Explore the Cultural Experiences of Students in Appalachia
The conference title “Extreme Appalachia!” represents an opportunity for conversations that acknowledge the many ways in which culture can be conceptualized in Appalachia, a topic that continues to be relevant. Identifying a set of common values, beliefs, and/or characteristics may assist some in understanding Appalachian cultural experiences. However, doing so simplifies a rather complex discussion, fails to acknowledge a multitude of perspectives, and ignores the intersectionality of diverse individual experiences. Therefore, the goal of this presentation is to discuss the use of photovoice as a pedagogical tool to facilitate an increased awareness of the multiplicity of cultural identities within Appalachia. Through photovoice, individuals are asked to use a camera to capture images that both communicate and honor their voices, experiences, and perspectives (Wang & Burris, 1997). Although photovoice has traditionally been used in participatory action research, more recently, this approach has also been used in the fields of education, healthcare, and mental health (Lenz & Sangganjanavanich, 2013; Massengale, Strack, Orsini, & Herget, 2016; Smith, Bratini, & Appio, 2012). The use of Photovoice in education provided a unique opportunity for students in a graduate-level counseling program at East Tennessee State University, located within the Appalachian region, to grow in awareness of their and others’ cultural identities and experiences. In this presentation, the use of photovoice in a social and cultural diversity class will be explored, and a former student of the class will present her photovoice project and discuss her experience. Implications for education and advocacy will also be provided.
