ERIC Number: EJ1447562
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 11
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1555-9734
EISSN: N/A
"Inviting the Body": Walking Methodologies as a Process of Unlearning
Jamie Crosswhite
Community Literacy Journal, v18 n2 Article 7 p56-65 2024
This article delves into an exploration of the transformative journey of integrating walking methodologies within the context of a Technical Writing in the Community service-learning course, which is offered at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) located in south Texas. These walking methods, founded on the principle of engaging the physical body in the learning experience, serve as a dynamic conduit for building bridges between the academic sphere and the broader non-academic communities that surround it. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly altered the educational landscape, there has been a growing recognition of the need for innovative approaches to education that prioritize equity and inclusivity. This article places particular emphasis on the concept of "unlearning" as a central tenet of this experiential pedagogical practice. The act of unlearning challenges entrenched and conventional structures within education, offering a powerful means of fostering meaningful change. In an era marked by heightened awareness of issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion, as well as the ongoing call for decolonization within educational institutions, the integration of walking methodologies takes on added significance. This article explores how these methods can play a pivotal role in reshaping the educational landscape, helping to break down barriers and create more inclusive spaces for learning. Acknowledging that no pedagogical approach is without its challenges and limitations, the article concludes by underlining the importance of persistently inviting the body into the process of learning and unlearning through the use of walking methodologies. It calls for a continued exploration of these innovative techniques as part of a broader effort to cultivate more responsive and equitable educational experiences. By embracing the transformative potential of walking methodologies, educators and institutions can move closer to the goal of fostering a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape.
Descriptors: Integrated Activities, Technical Writing, Service Learning, Physical Activities, Educational Methods, Hispanic American Students, Minority Serving Institutions, Learning Processes, Educational Change, Teaching Methods, Writing Instruction
Community Literacy Journal. e-mail: dcc@fiu.edu; Web site: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/communityliteracy
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Texas
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A