Workshop: Using Metaphoric drawings to explore the affective domain of learning.

An increasing number of education researchers especially in mathematics education are adopting interpretative approach (and thus data collection methods) to explore the affective domain (emotions, beliefs and attitudes). This shift is informed by a realization of a ‘hidden’ and complex nature of the domain and thus the inadequacy of the normative approach in exploring it.

In this workshop I will illustrate how one such non-traditional method; metaphoric drawings can be used to explore aspects of students’ relationship and experience of learning. Using a sample of data from my just concluded fieldwork (Kenya) for my doctoral studies, I will also illustrate how such data may be analysed.

Key topics to be covered

• An overview of the affective domain of learning

• Metaphoric drawings as a data collection tool

• Thematic analysis of the drawings using the Gentener structure of analogical modelling and comprehension.

This will be followed by a hands on session where participants will have a go at analysing some of the metaphoric drawings. We will conclude the session with an open discussion on the strengths and weakness of using metaphoric drawings as a data collection method.

[Photo credit: flickr photo by Frits Ahlefeldt, Hiking.org https://flickr.com/photos/hikingartist/3000474160 shared under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) license]

#Affectivedomain #Metaphoricdrawings #Interpretativeapproach