Abstract

This session provides a model for teaching educators and future educators about poverty. The model was designed to deepen understanding of poverty and create empathy for those trapped in poverty. Educators play a board game to vicariously experience poverty. After the game is completed, participants are provided with a “think sheet” to help them reflect on their experiences. A structured discussion concludes the activity. The game and follow up activities will be conducted in this session.<p> This active learning segment has been effective in graduate and undergraduate courses and in staff development sessions. Preliminary data suggests that educators better understand the difficulties in escaping poverty; are more empathic; and are less likely to make comments such as “They should pull themselves up by their bootstraps.</p>