Speculative Mapping of Pressing Civic Issues through a Scaffolded Learning Design

• In Event: Reimagining Youth Learning and New Spaces for Digital Action

Abstract

This study reports on the third iteration of a design based learning project that supported students in an A.P. Human Geography course to identify civic issues in their community, historicize them, and envision more just social futures by mapping new realities for their city. Drawing on a speculative and imaginative theoretical framework, we analyzed students’ final project work (3-D models and maps) to understand the extent to which students' local geographies and lived experiences shaped the civic issues that they reimagined. We found that students’ ability to reimagine and remap their communities were centered on issues closely related to youth interest, including addressing issues of public infrastructure in light of climate change and sea level rise impacting our community.

Authors

• Matt DeRoo, Florida International University

• Gabriela Goitia Vazquez, Teachers College, Columbia University