Using Photovoice to Transform Undergraduate Nursing Students Into Critical Thinkers During Environmental Health Assessment in South Africa

Background Photovoice has tremendous potential to promote awareness and stimulate critical thinking for students inside and outside the classroom. It has, however, not been extensively utilized in nursing student teaching and learning. The study aimed to share the enriched teaching and learning experience facilitated by a photovoice with second-level undergraduate nursing students during environmental health assessment. Methods Photovoice pedagogy was utilized to conduct an environmental health assessment. The students were selected using a convenience sampling method. Data collection involved a multi-faceted approach, including photographs, narratives, group discussions, and presentations. A participatory data analysis method was employed, guided by the acronym “PHOTO” or “SHOWED.” This study received approval from the Turfloop Research Ethics Committee. Ethical considerations, including rigor and adherence to photovoice principles, were maintained throughout the environmental health assessment. Results The use of Photovoice pedagogy enhanced student engagement with real-world environments, fostering critical thinking and collaboration. Students captured photographs of environmental health activities and classified the activities into two groups: health promotion, which included actions like proper waste management and community gardens, and health hazards, identifying problems such as poor sanitation, inadequate waste management, air pollution, and water contamination. Conclusion The Photovoice assignment positively influenced transformative critical learning in undergraduate nursing students. The students' engagement in the assignment using Photovoice enhanced their critical thinking, reflective practice, and real-world understanding. Integrating Photovoice into nursing curricula has the potential to foster transformative learning and prepare students for 21st-century health challenges. Clinical Trial Number Not applicable.