The viability of portraiture for science education research: learning from portraits of two science classrooms

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe the relevance of a qualitative methodology called portraiture for science education. Portraiture is a method of inquiry that blends art and science by combining the empirical aspects of inquiry with beauty and aesthetic properties. This method encompasses all aspects of a research study, including protocol, data collection and analysis, and presentation of findings. To examine the viability of portraiture as methodology for science education researchers, we provided two portraits of science teachers and their classrooms to illustrate how context played a significant role in teachers’ experiences and how it influenced their classroom pedagogy. The implications of this work show how portraiture can support deep, dynamic understanding of context in science education. This work also illustrates the importance of attending to relationships and voice, both of which are often lacking in science education research.

Keywords:

• portraiture
• qualitative inquiry
• critical events analysis
• rural education
• urban education
• teacher education

Notes

1. We are using the names that the teachers prefer in this study. Ms. E preferred a formal pseudonym while Emily requested a more casual pseudonym.

2. Names of both teachers are pseudonyms.

3. Adapted from Yazzie (2002).

4. Questions 1–12 are adapted from Yazzie (2002); Questions 13–17 are adapted from Webster (1998).

5. The school was named after Frankie Woods McCullough, a community member who believed in education and service. She died in 2004 before the decision was made to name the school after her. Her picture hangs in every classroom with the quote, “I believe we are put on this earth to learn and do service” below her picture. Her son and daughter are still heavily involved in the school.

6. In fall 2011, McCullough changed locations, moving down the street into a newly renovated school. The School Renovation Committee was a part of the design for the school. Ms. E is in charge of the elementary classrooms, science laboratories, and greenhouse.

7. In 2007, the elementary teachers with the help of the school nurse transformed an unused elementary classroom into a science lab for the elementary students.