Pedagogy for the new planner: Refining the qualitative toolbox

Abstract

Planning researchers and practitioners are adapting to new and evolving planning cultures that require new skills and techniques. This paper examines the introduction of qualitative research methods, traditionally developed as part of anthropology, sociology, and psychology disciplines, to planning students. We present an analysis of qualitative research methods’ courses that were instructed to planning students. The paper portrays three principles of planning discipline that are in tension with a more constructive interpretation of the socio-spatial realities. We then offer several pedagogical inputs to qualitative methodology education for planners and how it could contribute to new and developing planning environments.