How images work: An analysis of a visual intervention used to facilitate a difficult conversation and promote understanding

Abstract

This study centers on an intervention that uses visual methods to structure conversations among teachers about their undocumented Latino/Latina immigrant students living in the US. Given negative perceptions of undocumented immigrants and cultural misunderstandings, recent demographic shifts have challenged many communities, and presented issues especially relevant to majority-culture teachers who teach immigrant students. We describe an innovative intervention methodology that incorporates photographs with facilitated discussion using Visual Thinking Strategies to promote awareness, empathy, and understanding. This study uses qualitative data to identify the ways in which images function to facilitate difficult discussions; to determine the relationship between images, facilitated discussion, and attitude shifts; and to determine whether such attitude shifts are schema changes. Findings show images effectively engage participants in discussion, elicit openness and reflection, and increase empathy. Indications of schema change derive from participants’ descriptions of shifts in awareness, perspective-taking, attitude change, and more complex thinking about Latino/Latina immigrants.