Community Mapping as a Catalyst for Developing Preservice Teachers' Knowledge of Community Assets

• In Event: Multidimensionality of Service-Learning in Pre- and In-Service Teaching

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a teacher education course-based community mapping project on preservice teachers’ understanding of community assets and their capacity for identifying assets within communities surrounding specific schools. Through the mapping project, which was grounded in the literature on culturally sustaining pedagogy and experiential education, preservice teachers collaborated to complete and report on an analysis of community assets. Findings indicated preservice teachers gained improved knowledge and competence regarding community asset mapping as a whole, were able to provide more accurate and detailed explanations of the process, and were able to identify a variety of assets available to students and families in communities within the local school system. Implications for teacher education courses, programs, and research are discussed.

Authors

• Heidi Hollingsworth, Elon University

• Lisa Buchanan, Elon University

• Felicia Robinson, Elon University

• Abigail M. Wilson

• Jeffrey P. Carpenter, Elon University