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A Foundation for Participation
Robert S. Young
Oaklea Middle School, Junction City, Oregon
Subject: Social Studies
Grade: 8
"Photography was very useful because the photographs provided
a source of information not commonly used in classrooms."
Purpose and Description of Project
Robert Young's project was intended to encourage good citizenship
by offering the students a chance to gather the information needed
to make intelligent decisions. His students examined the basic
structure of their local school district, using photos taken of
the district leaders during their daily activities. Through photos,
interviews, organization flowcharts, and essays, the students
were to become aware of how to gain access to the school district's
decision-making process.
Activities
Project activities fell into two categories: photographing school
district leaders and utilizing those photos in the social studies
class. Five students who had taken photography courses and knew
how to develop and print photos were selected as photographers.
Each was asked to photograph district leaders -- e.g., superintendent,
administrative assistant, middle school principal and vice-principal,
and school board member -- during their routine duties. One of the
primary challenges was to portray their subjects accurately despite a
variety of lighting situations
and physically limiting conditions.
The five students selected their 10 best negatives to enlarge
and dry-mount for use in class.
All students now brainstormed about which leaders help decide
the budget, hiring and firing of staff, and curriculum. They analyzed
the photographs and discussed the general job responsibilities
of each leader. This was followed by visits from the district
leaders who explained their responsibilities and job requirements.
Students used their new-found information to role-play these leaders
in decision-making situations. To conclude the project, students
made a flowchart that identified the district leaders, and their
positions and major responsibilities, and wrote an essay on how
they would go about making a change they felt was necessary within
the district.
Materials, Resources, and Expenses
The school district leaders agreed to be photographed through
a full working day and to be interviewed, thus playing an essential
role. The five student photographers used a
35 mm camera,
one roll of 36-exposure black-and-white
film,
basic processing and printing
supplies and equipment, and a dry-mount press and supplies. Since
photography was part of the school's curriculum, a darkroom was
available.
Outcomes and Adaptability
The students' flowcharts and essays indicated that most students
had achieved the project's goals. Young also found it apparent
from class discussions that students had become more interested
in the district's decision-making process. They had come to view
decisions in human terms as they learned how the school district
functioned and became familiar with those whose decisions affected
their education. Young found photography to be "highly motivating"
in bringing about these results.
Decision making is a part of every organization which makes the
project adaptable to any school setting and group size. The sophistication
of the material could be adjusted to all grade levels -- e.g., a
greater emphasis on building personnel for lower grades, and on
the district as a whole for upper grades.