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Lived Experiences During International Service Learning: A Semiotic Analysis Of Photo Journals, Catherine E. Dobbins, Kristin E. Gibson, Leslie D. Edgar, Kim E. Dooley

Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education

International service learning (ISL) is a pedagogical approach used to prepare students to be global citizens and has emerged as a popular short-term program model for international experiences. Few studies of ISL have integrated semiotic photo analysis into their evaluations. Combining students’ photographs with text encourages reflection on knowledge and experiences as well as how they are related. The current study used semiotic analysis to understand the lived experiences of students on an ISL to Guatemala. The participatory nature of the research process was critical to the semiotic analysis, as the researchers had an understanding of the cultural perspectives and …