Page 341 - International Perspectives on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education

Digital Narrative Photography

as a Method to Improve Empathy
in Health Sciences

Juan M. Leyva
Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
Juanmanuel.leyva@uab.cat

This chapter explores narrative photography in health sciences education,
highlighting its effectiveness in addressing the often-overlooked psychosocial
needs of patients. Traditionally focused on immediate biological outcomes,
healthcare has neglected the importance of empathy and reflective practice.
Narrative photography, inspired by Photovoice and reflective practice, involves
capturing and reflecting on patients’ real-life narratives through visual and
written means. Students create self-made photographs or drawings, articulate
their interpretations through short reflective narratives, and engage in group
discussions to foster deeper empathy and reflection. Originally dependent on
face-to-face interaction, narrative photography has been adapted to hybrid
formats with digital tools, enhancing accessibility and cost-effectiveness. This
chapter examines the origins, methodologies, technological advancements,
and real-world applications of narrative photography, along with variations
developed by the author. It also provides recommendations for assessing
learning outcomes, evidence of effectiveness, and evaluations of student and
faculty satisfaction.
Keywords: art-based methods, narrative photography, teaching innovation, ac-
tive learning, hybrid learning.
© 5 Juan M. Leyva
https://doi.org/1.6493/978-961-93-467-5.19

Introduction
What is Narrative Photography?
Narrative photography is an arts-based educational approach, that combines
visual storytelling with reflective thinking. This innovative method involves
students in creating and analyzing photographs to express and explore per-
sonal or observed experiences and emotions emphasizing learning through
reflection on experiences (Leyva-Moral et al., ). The narrative photogra-
phy intervention is grounded in the theories of reflective thinking and Pho-
thovoice methods. Reflective thinking, as articulated by Donald Schön (1983,
1987), emphasizes the importance of reflecting on experiences as a key com-

Klančar, A., Štemberger, T., Prosen, M., & Ličen, S. (Eds.). (2025). International Perspectives
on Effective Teaching and Learning in Digital Education. University of Primorska Press.