Teaching and Learning Processes for Social Transformation: Engaging a Kaleidoscope of Learners

Abstract

To tackle the complexity of issues associated with homelessness, an interdisciplinary lens with direct input from service providers and community members is necessary. Within a community–university partnership between a larger inner-city multiservice shelter serving the homeless population, and faculties of social work and nursing in a Canadian university, the authors developed the Social Justice Transformation Model. In this model, social justice is the why, co-learning is the what, and action research is the how. The model guides university students and faculty and agency staff and clients through teaching and learning processes of self- transformation, service transformation, and societal transformation.

Keywords:

• social justice
• co-learning
• action research
• homelessness
• community–university partnership
• interprofessional education

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge each of the participants of the Downtown Community Initiative who, as clients, students, staff, and faculty members, contributed to the development of these ideas. They also express appreciation to the University of Calgary for financially supporting the Downtown Community Initiative, thus providing a vehicle for innovation in service, education, and research.

Notes

¹Between the time this article was accepted for publication and subsequently published, this program ended.