Embedding Cultural Competency in First-Year Urban and Regional Planning Undergraduates
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Curtin University
Australia -
Curtin University Australia
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Curtin University Australia
Abstract
This practice report highlights changes made to a first-year unit in an Urban and Regional Planning degree, designed to enhance students’ levels of cultural competency. We briefly discuss the history of cultural competency highlighting a lack of application in the field of urban planning. We report on a practical case study where six strategies were developed to enhance students’ cultural competency. We reflect on the experience of designing and delivering a unit called Diversity and Cultural Planning. The results from 38 students who completed a cultural competency survey at the start and at the end of term, revealed an increase in overall self-assessment scores of around 12%. As cities become more diverse, this practical case study highlights the need and benefits of enhancing the cultural competency of those who both teach and learn about urban planning.
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Author Biographies
Dr Paul Cozens is currently a Senior Lecturer within the School of the Design and the Built Environment at Curtin University in Western Australia. He has published around 70 peer-reviewed papers. His teaching focuses on promoting critical inspection, self-reflection and cultural competency – in a fun and engaging way.
Kent Turkich is a casual academic and a qualified teacher at Curtin University’s School of Design and Built Environment. He has a particular interest in the notion that 'a good classroom is like a good city', how concepts common to both education and urban planning can be used to bring about more meaningful teaching.
Dr Shane Greive is a lecturer with the School of the Design and the Built Environment at Curtin University in Western Australia. Teaching and research interests include central cities, housing studies and governance. Shane has a long association with the community housing sector.
