49 and can help the community make claims about increased environmental stewardship. The Occupation residents that the Taubman College Team had the opportunity to interact with were welcoming and willing to engage with the team. They extruded openness and availability during door-to-door surveys, direct observation, and the large community meeting. Futhermore, social events such as lunch and dinners with the Association coordinators, provided an opportunity to check-in or follow up after the day’s activities. Through these invaluable conversations, the Taubman Team was able to acquire additional information and receive feedback on potential recommendation proposals. The Association coordinators volunteered to accompany groups of students in the field as students carried out research methods for long hours each day. Everyday three to four fluent translators were present, assisting nonPortuguese speakers to communicate with the Association coordinators and Occupation residents. The cooperation of the community combined with the help of the translators allowed Taubman Team students to collect data more effectively than expected
36 Mapping Exercise with Community.
There are limitations to the data collection process and findings that should be noted. First, the short amount of time spent in Ocupação Anchieta restricted how many surveys, direct observation checklists, informal conversations, and relationship building with the clientpartner and residents could take place. Secondly, language was a moderate barrier. The majority of Taubman Team students could not communicate in Portuguese, and most of the coordinators and residents could not
FIELD METHODOLOGY
METHOD LIMITATIONS