1. The University of Real World Planning
Marijoan Bull, PhD AICP, Westfield State University
Assistant Professor, Geography & Regional Planning
Mark Hamin, PhD, University of Massachusetts
Director, Master of Regional Planning Program
September 21, 2012

2. By three methods we may learn wisdom:
-first, by reflection, which is noblest;
-second, by imitation, which is easiest; and
-third by experience, which is the bitterest.
- Confucius

3. Knowing-in-action is the professional
knowledge that practitioners actually use,
as distinct from the theoretical, scientifically
derived knowledge that technical-rationalist
approaches assume that they used.
- Donald Schon
The Reflective Practitioner

4. AICP Code of Ethics (A.3.).
“We shall examine the applicability of planning
theories, methods, research and practice and
standards to the facts and analysis of each particular
situation and shall not accept the applicability of a
customary solution without first establishing its
appropriateness to the situation.
We shall contribute time and resources to the
professional development of students, interns,
beginning professionals, and other colleagues.
We shall continue to enhance our professional
education and training.”

5. TASK ONE:
Pair Off—one storyteller and one active listener.
Tell the story of a recent planning “success” you were involved with.
Try to wrap up the story in under 3 minutes.
The listener asks questions aimed at understanding the success of the
project. For instance, the listener will explore what made it successful,
and what explicit and implicit ideas about the criteria for success are
embedded in the story.
Three (3) minutes for listener to respond; then reverse roles.

6. In other words,
we don't store experience
(as though it were 'information' or 'data');
we story it.
Richard Winter
Professional Experience
and The Investigative Imagination
Awareness of one’s own intuitive thinking
usually grows out of practice in
articulating it to others.
Donald Schon,
The Reflective Practitioner

7. TASK TWO:
You have a large index card. You are to write a story of a work
project or interaction you were involved with that ended
problematically. Read through your story.
Re-write the ending of the story—how would you
approach it differently based on the lessons learned from
this experience?
Share whatever insights you have with others at the
table.

8. Ethics and Reflection
ETHICAL FRAMEWORKS FOR DECISIONMAKING
Utilitarianism Greatest good for the greatest number; outcomes based.
Rules and Moral Imperatives Absolute principles not to be compromised- equal treatment for
all; universal application.
Virtue or Character Developing moral character through actions; emergent self-
realization as a situated moral agent.
Ethics of Care/Relationship Perspective of the importance of relationships and the weight of
caring. Making decisions that acknowledge interconnections
and consider the vulnerabilities and needs of individuals
involved.

9. • TASK FOUR:
TASK THREE:
Think about an ethical dilemma you have faced as a planner. Jot down the
basic dimensions of the problem. How would you characterize it:
An issue of conflict of interest/corruption ?
An issue of serving more than one master ethically?
An issue of truth versus loyalty?
An issue of short term versus long term needs?
An issue of specific versus community interest/inequitable
benefits, costs and/or risks?
Other – you define.
Consider how you resolved it – Did you consult a mentor? Did you recuse
yourself? Did you consult the AICP code? What ethical framework did you
use to resolve the conflict? How might you have resolved the issue on a
different basis? Are you at ease with how the issue was resolved? Share the
dilemma with others.

10. We do not think ourselves into
new ways of living, we live ourselves
into new ways of thinking.
- Richard Rohr