Creative Course Assignment Spotlight: Windshield Survey of Community Assets

Inspired by Community-Centered Public Health by Dr. Natasha Akintobi

As educators, one of the most powerful things we can do is help students connect what they learn real world experiences. A Windshield Survey assignment is a dynamic way to bring public health principles to life—encouraging students to observe, reflect, and engage with the communities around them.

This simple, yet powerful tool allows students to identify local assets (strengths) and deficits (areas for improvement) while honing critical thinking and empathy. It’s an approach that sparks connection and understanding, two essential skills for professional practice.

Engaging Assignment Ideas for Your Students

These creative exercises can be adapted in undergraduate and graduate public health, health administration, social work, and related programs.

1. Community Observation Walk

Goal: Develop observational and analytical skills.

Have students walk or drive through a familiar neighborhood and take note of environmental factors. Are the public spaces clean? Are there enough recreational areas? What about community resources like health clinics or public transport options? Students can then categorize their findings into Assets and Deficits in a simple chart or list. Encourage them to reflect on how the environment influences the daily lives of the people who live there.

2. Photo Journal

Goal: Blend visual literacy with reflective writing.

Ask students to document assets and deficits through original photography or sourced images. This could be anything from a well-maintained playground (an asset) to abandoned buildings (a deficit). Once they’ve gathered their photos, students should create a photo journal where each image is accompanied by a short reflection on what it represents and how it affects people in the community. This allows students to engage visually while also practicing descriptive writing.

3. Community Impact Report

Goal: Analyze the health implications of local environments.

Students write a short report summarizing their survey, emphasizing how the observed conditions may affect residents’health—especially youth or vulnerable populations. This is a chance to propose community-driven solutions and develop problem-solving skills. For example, if they notice a lack of safe playgrounds, they might suggest creating more accessible spaces for children. This encourages problem-solving and gives learners a platform to voice their ideas for positive change.

4. Group Presentation: Assets, Deficits & Solutions

Goal: Foster collaboration and communication.

Students work in small groups to combine their findings and create a collective presentation. This could be in the form of a slideshow or poster that highlights the community’s assets, identifies key deficits, and proposes concrete solutions. This assignment encourages teamwork, problem-solving, and public speaking. Bonus: Have them present to school leaders or community partners to build advocacy skills.

5. Advocacy Letter

Goal: Inspire civic engagement.

After identifying community deficits, students draft a letter to a local official or organization advocating for improvements. The letter should highlight key deficits they identified (e.g., lack of public transport, poor street lighting) and suggest ways to address these issues. This exercise empowers students to use their voice—and data—to drive positive change.

Why This Matters

These assignments help students go beyond theory. They foster community awareness, cultural humility, and a deeper understanding of how health is shaped by place. Students also build core public health competencies—observation, reflection, communication, and advocacy.

Chapter 5 of Community-Centered Public Health, explores the use of Windshield Surveys as a tool to assess health challenges such as asthma, diabetes, food access, and substance use. It emphasizes the importance of blending observational data with real community experiences to build trust and advance equity.

Bring It into Your Course

Community-Centered Public Health is a practical, inspiring resource that equips students with frameworks and tools for authentic community engagement. It covers:

• Community governance and leadership
• Program evaluation and CBPR
• Crisis response and health communication
• Equity-driven, student-centered learning

Whether you teach undergraduate or graduate students, this book offers rich opportunities to connect learning with lived experience.

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