Exploring Photovoice as a Pedagogical Tool for Fostering Critical Consciousness in Undergraduate Education

Photovoice is a participatory action research method that combines photography, critical reflection, and dialogue to promote social change. Although research points to its potential for fostering critical consciousness, few studies examine how undergraduates experience all three of its dimensions: reflection, motivation, and action. Grounded in transformative learning theory, this study explored how 60 students in a public policy and ethics course experienced the development of critical consciousness through a four-part photovoice project. Data included topic essays, photo-caption submissions, small group reflections, and final essays, analyzed through deductive and inductive qualitative content analysis. Four themes emerged: critical reflection, critical motivation, critical action, and personal relevance. Photovoice prompted emotional and cognitive disorientation that shifted students’ perspectives from individual to systemic understandings of social issues, strengthened their motivation to act, and, for some, led to advocacy. Findings position photovoice as a pedagogical tool for cultivating critical consciousness and transformative learning among undergraduates.