Literacy snapshots: Using photovoice in literacy intervention

Abstract

This chapter reports on part of the evaluation of an Australian government grant (2011-2013) that focused on improving literacy outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attending four independent schools in New South Wales, Australia. Specifically, the project aimed to increase students' literacy skills, develop positive attitudes to learning, and encourage families and community members to engage more actively with their children's school lives. Of interest in the context of this book is the use of a photovoice activity, Literacy Snapshots, to access authentic voices of the participant children, to see what they thought about their own literacy learning and literacy in their lives. Funding for the overall project was obtained through the Australian Government's Closing the Gap (CTG)- Expansion of Intensive Literacy and Numeracy Programs for Underachieving Indigenous Students Scheme. The original Request for Funding set four objectives related to the three priority reform areas relevant to Closing the Gap literacy and numeracy initiatives.