Annie Mejia-Downs, Julie Gahimer publish article in Universal Journal of Education Research
Dr. Annie Mejia-Downs and Dr. Julie Gahimer, faculty in the Krannert School of Physical Therapy, recently published an article in the Universal Journal of Educational Research.
“Pre-planning for Service Learning: Creative Strategies through the Lens of Poverty” describes three different pedagogical strategies, ranging from pre-packaged programming to self-designed activities, which were used to educate students about the role of poverty in society. These strategies included a poverty simulation which enables participants to view poverty from different perspectives in an experiential setting,” engagement with impoverished clients from a local organization, and group activities using online resources such as videos, a poverty quiz and games.
Students were asked to reflect on their previous views on poverty and how these activities affected them. The aim of these strategies was to encourage students to consider a broad range of perspectives (personal, community, and policy), recognize biases and stereotypes, and link the service learning experience to a broader context in society.