Using Photovoice to Engage Preschool Classrooms in Community-Based Participatory Research: Insights From a Collaborative Pedagogical Partnership

Preschool classrooms are understudied relative to other educational contexts and typically focus on assessment, basic research, and rarely on participatory research. This study focused on applied and translational approaches with shared power among researchers, teacher, and students at a local preschool. We describe, critically analyze, and reflect on the participatory process from multiple perspectives – researchers, teachers, and administrators. One female lead teacher volunteered her classroom (n=19 students; ages 3-5) to participate. Researchers’ journal reflections, meeting notes, and field observations documented study implementation. Co-planning occurred across three weeks, active implementation spanned five weeks, and dissemination occurred across four months. Using Community Based Participatory Research (CBPR) and Youth Participatory Action Research (YPAR) principles as a framework, these data were qualitatively analyzed to provide reflective journaling and thematic analysis of the implementation process. We describe initial conversations with preschool administrators and the classroom teacher followed by description of seven research steps. The researchers and teacher mutually agreed upon using the Photovoice method because it empowers preschoolers to communicate their knowledge and perspectives in ways researchers could understand. Meetings and co-facilitated data collection fostered co-learning among researchers, preschool students, and their teachers. Dissemination was inclusive and multifaceted through the use of: (1) classroom photo digital displays for the preschoolers to view and (2) an E-brochure shared with parents and administrators. Participatory Research (PR) principles are examined and methodological lessons learned are shared to promote preschool classroom participatory engagement in future research and plans for expanding participatory approaches in preschools are discussed.