Mitigating Challenges in Urban Planning Community Engaged Learning: Advancing a Relational Approach in Planning Education
Abstract
The article discusses challenges students encounter in Community Engaged Learning (CEL) classes in urban planning, asking: How can urban planning education more effectively address CEL challenges and enhance students’ preparedness for professional planning practice? Drawing on a six-year CEL course conducted with marginalized communities in two countries, the study proposes a relational approach to planning pedagogy aimed at addressing persistent obstacles in CEL. The analysis demonstrates how relational principles foster reciprocity, adaptability, and attentiveness to shifting socio-spatial dynamics in CEL, ultimately strengthening students’ capacities for flexible, accountable, and context-responsive planning practice.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Service-Learning and Community Engagement
Indigenous and Place-Based Education
Urban Planning and Governance
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Planning Theory & Practice
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 227–244
- Publication date
- 15 March 2026
- Language
- EN