The Power of a Story: Catalyzing Social Change With English Language Learners Through PhotoVoice Projects

• In Event: Validating Culturally Diverse Student Identities and Experiences: Transformative Approaches and Innovative Methods

Abstract

The focus of this paper is to engage and invite readers to live the work of honoring multiculturalism and diversity by addressing the needs of English Language Learners (ELLs) based in culturally sustaining pedagogy (Paris, 2012). Culturally sustaining pedagogy seeks to affirm the cultural and linguistic gifts of each student in a classroom. In alignment with this theory, the authors seek to honor students’ home language, heritage, and cultural ways of knowing and doing by sharing aspects of a year-long research project where the creation of Photovoice poster projects highlighted family and student cultural gifts and strengths as described in their own words and captured through their own photography.

Authors

• Kevin C. Roxas, Western Washington University

• María L. Gabriel, Thompson School District