How I See It: A Photovoice Project in Understanding and Experiencing Diversity at Midwestern University

• In Event: 56.081 - Roundtable Session 24
  In Roundtable Session: 56.081-4 - Diversity and Campus Climate

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to assess Midwestern University’s (MU) students’ experiences with learning about diversity issues at MU. This study was designed to augment the typical quantitative assessment of diversity course requirements by exploring students’ experiences with diversity in and out of the classroom through a research method called photovoice. Initial coding strategies led to six themes: (a) course quality, (b) the MU experience, (c) spaces and places, (d) grouping, (e) responsibility for diversity, and (f) hesitation. Praxis included more training for staff and students, a focus on the pedagogical approach to diversity courses, commitment to institution wide resources and support beyond the traditional “pockets”, and the creation of safe spaces and places for healthy dialogue to occur.

Authors

• Marshall Alan Baker, Oklahoma State University

• Sarah R. Gordon, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Precious Denise Elmore-Sanders, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater

• Denise F. Blum, Oklahoma State University