Spatializing Community-Based Learning: How a Critical Geography Framework Can Foster Understandings of Structural Inequality and Egalitarian Relationships

Authors

  • Roseann Liu Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue. Swarthmore, PA 19081
  • Sarah Fischmann The Woodrow Wilson Graduate School of Teaching and Learning 24 Thorndike St, Cambridge, MA 02141
  • Ashley Hong Mathematica Policy Research 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20002-4221
  • Kathleen Melville 920 Wharton St, Philadelphia PA 19147

Keywords:

critical geography, space, service learning, community-based learning, social change, egalitarian relationships

Abstract

Critical service learning is an approach that works toward social transformation and egalitarian partnerships. However, the ways in which space facilitates or undermines this approach has been largely unexplored. Drawing on a case study from an urban education course, we argue that a critical geography framework can develop students’ understandings of structural inequalities and nurture egalitarian relationships between partners.

Author Biographies

Roseann Liu, Swarthmore College 500 College Avenue. Swarthmore, PA 19081

Roseann Liu, Ph.D., is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational Studies and Senior Fellow at the Lang Center for Civic and Social Responsibility at Swarthmore College. Her research focuses on race, inequality, and education.

Sarah Fischmann, The Woodrow Wilson Graduate School of Teaching and Learning 24 Thorndike St, Cambridge, MA 02141

Sarah Fischmann, B.A., is a graduate of Swarthmore College and a teacher candidate at The Woodrow Wilson Graduate School of Teaching and Learning in Cambridge, MA. Her interests include STEM education and educational inequality.

Ashley Hong, Mathematica Policy Research 1100 First Street, NE, 12th Floor, Washington, DC 20002-4221

Ashley Hong, B.A., is a survey research associate at Mathematica Policy Research. Her interests include race, urban inequality, and public policy.

Kathleen Melville, 920 Wharton St, Philadelphia PA 19147

Kathleen Melville, M.Ed., is a teacher at the Workshop School and an organizer with the Caucus of Working Educators. Her interests include teacher unions and social justice.

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Published

04/30/2020

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (2020): Special Edition: Critical Service Learning

Section

Insights, Case Studies, and Applications

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