Students’ Photo Perceptions of Hospitality and Tourism in a Community: A Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Case Study

Abstract

Researchers have used photographs in studies of hospitality and tourism; however, little literature exists on the use of visual methods as teaching tools. This case study explains how a project involving students’ own photo reflections of hospitality and tourism in a community was implemented. Background information on the use of photos in research and teaching is provided, including the use of photovoice. Then methods used in the project are summarized, results of a survey of the students are presented, and student reflections on the project provide further information about how photos can be used in hospitality and tourism education.

KEYWORDS:

• photography
• photovoice
• tourism
• student project

Notes

¹ It is interesting to note that students were told they could simply take the photos on foot and the campus has an extensive bus system that provides them with transportation throughout the community and the community’s downtown area, river, and greenway adjoin the campus.