Activity 8.2 How did you extend your understanding?
When you have considered your learning from Units 5–7 write a post of around 200 words. Use this post to look forward and to make commitments about how you intend to put your learning from the course into action with your learners in your context.
a. What change can you make tomorrow?
b. What changes may take some thought and organisation and therefore will be made soon?
c. What long-term changes might you make?
Post your ideas and read what others have posted.
This post is important for assessing your eligibility for a badge. Comment on the good ideas you read there.
Remember that, to obtain your digital badge, you must have posted a contribution to at least one forum in Units 1–7 and one of the forums in Unit 8. You must have also completed the quiz at the end of Unit 5 and scored at least 80%.
Reflections on Sustainable Learning: From Theory to Transformative Practice
My understanding of sustainable pedagogies has been significantly extended through Units 5-7, particularly regarding the practical application of transdisciplinarity and transformative practices. The emphasis on co-creation of knowledge, integrating diverse perspectives, and fostering a sense of agency in learners has resonated deeply with my professional context as an educator in environmental science. I now see transdisciplinarity not just as an academic concept, but as a vital framework for addressing complex environmental challenges by bridging scientific understanding with societal needs and local knowledge.
The concept of "wayfaring" in learning, where the journey itself is life and learners are empowered to explore and respond, has shifted my perspective on curriculum design. I realize the importance of moving beyond prescribed outcomes to cultivate intrinsic motivation and critical thinking skills necessary for sustainable living. Transformative practices, for me, involve empowering learners to not only understand environmental issues but also to actively participate in finding and implementing solutions, fostering a sense of responsibility and hope rather than despair.
a. What change can you make tomorrow?
Tomorrow, I will introduce a "problem-of-the-day" related to local environmental issues, encouraging students to brainstorm solutions from multiple perspectives (scientific, social, economic). This small step will immediately foster transdisciplinary thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
b. What changes may take some thought and organisation and therefore will be made soon?
Soon, I plan to redesign a unit on climate change to incorporate more community-based projects. This will involve reaching out to local environmental organizations or community leaders to identify real-world problems that students can investigate and propose solutions for, thereby integrating external knowledge producers and fostering transformative action. I will also explore incorporating more experiential learning opportunities, such as field trips to local ecosystems or sustainable farms, to connect theoretical knowledge with practical application.
c. What long-term changes might you make?
Long-term, I aim to develop a fully transdisciplinary curriculum module that integrates environmental science with other subjects like social studies, economics, and even arts. This would involve collaborating with colleagues from different departments to create a holistic learning experience focused on a grand challenge, such as urban sustainability or biodiversity conservation. My goal is to cultivate a generation of learners who are not only knowledgeable but also equipped with the skills and mindset to drive transformative change towards a more sustainable future, embracing the "making and creating" aspect of transdisciplinarity.