Wheelchair Training as a Way to Enhance Experiential Learning Modules for Urban Planning Students: A Mixed-Method Evaluation Study

Autor/inn/en	Terashima, Mikiko; Kirby, Ronald Lee; Smith, Cher
Titel	Wheelchair Training as a Way to Enhance Experiential Learning Modules for Urban Planning Students: A Mixed-Method Evaluation Study
Quelle	In: International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 70 (2023) 6, S.1072-1084 (13 Seiten) PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Zusatzinformation	ORCID (Terashima, Mikiko) ORCID (Kirby, Ronald Lee) ORCID (Smith, Cher)
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1034-912X
DOI	10.1080/1034912X.2021.1952938
Schlagwörter	Assistive Technology; Experiential Learning; Program Effectiveness; Design; Urban Planning; Undergraduate Students; Student Attitudes; Attitudes toward Disabilities; Barriers; Training; Foreign Countries; Canada + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Experiental learning; Erfahrungsorientiertes Lernen; Stadtplanung; Schülerverhalten; Ausbildung; Ausland; Kanada
Abstract	This study assessed the effectiveness of a learning module we developed for planning students aimed to enhance their understanding for design issues in public spaces faced by wheelchair users. The module involves training of students to effectively navigate the environment in a wheelchair before they experience the real outdoor spaces. Through this evaluation study, we also attempted to add clarity to the problems observed from empirical studies about these 'try-it-yourself' exercises, such as potential stigmatisation and ableism. We employed a mixed-method study approach consisting of wheelchair skill tests, 'walkabout' audits, and a focus group, with 28 second-year undergraduate urban planning students. The cross-over design of the study involving two components of the module -- (wheelchair) Skill Learning Experience (SLE) and Real-World Experience (RWE) -- allowed us to assess the effect of the former on the performance of the latter and the module overall. The focus group also asked students' perspectives about the module. Our findings suggest that the wheelchair skills training component likely contributed to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of design problems, while also fostering respect for wheelchair users. We believe that careful implementation is key to addressing potential negative consequences while optimising the benefit of experiential exercises. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01