WICKEDPROBLEMS

U N D E R G R A D U A T E A C A D E M I C U N I T

APPROACHES TO

Making a real impact in communities throughlearning and collaboration

The nature of wicked problemsProblem solving using a design thinking approachHow to do collaboration wellThe nature and scope of the relevant community topic

Approaches to Wicked Problems is an intensive service learning unit that offers enquiry-basedlearning, leadership training and develops valuable skills transferable to later studies andemployment. It is delivered by the McCusker Centre for Citizenship at UWA in partnership withcommunity organisations and networks. The first unit took place in January-February 2020 incollaboration with the WA Alliance to End Homelessness. This experiential unit is grounded in project-based learning where students work in small groups ona real-world problem or need with and for community partners and the people they serve. Studentsparticipate in activities and learning focused on:

 A lead community partner for each unit works closely with the teaching staff to provide advice andguidance on the relevant community or problem, scope projects, facilitate guest speakers and sitetours, and work with students to ensure project outcomes have a positive and lasting impact.

ABOUT THE UNIT: SVLG2008

“The whole unit has completely changed my perception on

homelessness.”

SV

LG

20

08

The first unit, in partnership with the WA Allianceto End Homelessness, resulted in five projectsthat have already had an impact oncommunities, including a school lesson guideaimed at developing empathy andunderstanding of homelessness amongst schoolstudents and a series of case studies on localgovernments collaborating to addresshomelessness. Community partners have found the experiencebeneficial - not just due to the significant workdone on projects - but also in having universitystudents take on problems with a freshapproach. Students experienced academic and personaldevelopment, shifts in attitudes towardscommunity issues, and changes in behaviour as aresult.

“This unit really opened my eyesto the fact that homelessness does

impact anyone, and can impactanyone at any time … and that

anyone who is experiencinghomelessness deserves to have a

place to live.” 

“I think the management andgeneral care to the unit and the

students has been potentially thebest I have experienced while

studying at UWA.”

“I previously felt like my capacityto contribute was limited to an

extent and didn't feel like myindividual efforts matter in thegrand scheme of things but this

unit has taught me that even smallefforts to engage with something

do truly matter.”

100 per cent of students agreed therewas value in completing the unit andthat they have a better understandingof the issue(s) of homelessness as aresult of this unit.

Visit   www.mccuskercentre.uwa.edu.au/programs/academic-unitsEmail info@mccuskercentre.uwa.edu.auCall (08) 6448 7873

“I have learnt that everyone hassome capacity to give back to

the community.”

F O R M O R E I N F O R M A T I O N