Nostalgia, transition and the school: an innovative approach of using photographic images as a visual method in educational research

Abstract

The context of the study reported in this paper is the difficulties of transition from nonformal primary schools to formal secondary schools in Bangladesh. The difficulties affecting a smooth school transition relate not only to the making of new relationships and adapting to new norms in a new environment, but also to a very different approach to educating disadvantaged people between the different settings. The role of images is explored as part of a research process in which formal secondary school students made connections with their past experiences in nonformal primary schools. Interviews with photographic images in this context represent an innovative approach to learning about students' experiences, fitting with Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. This theoretical framework focuses attention on the significance of the context at several levels of ecological systems to children's development. Images of their nonformal primary school represent an opportunity for nostalgia for new secondary school students, evoking strong feelings which illuminate the many dimensions of transitional challenges.

Keywords:

• nostalgia
• school transition
• image
• photo-elicitation interview
• visual method
• nonformal primary school
• formal secondary school
• Bangladesh

Notes

Primary school pupils call their female teacher ‘Apa’ rather than teacher or ‘Mis’, which means ‘elder sister’. Culture wise ‘Apa’ is used to address an elderly woman, an unfamiliar lady or a schoolmistress. It is assumed that the schoolmistress is a respectable, responsible and caring person.

Bhai means brother. In NGO culture, they address their superior ‘bhai’ rather than ‘sir’. The reason behind it is that they think, in social context, ‘bhai’ is used as a term of friendly address. Therefore, it ensures openness, trust and comfort to work with their superior.

Shahid Minar is the monument of the language martyrs of 21 February 1952 that was the spirit of the Bangladeshi nationalism. As recognition of the sacrifice of lives for mother tongue, UNESCO declared 21 February as International Mother Language Day.

A kind of game played on a square board with 19 pellets and a striker.

The notion of the ‘ideal student’ is based on social and religious values. An ideal student ought to abide by social moral values and norms. He or she needs to listen and obey the elders.