We have had a wonderful discussion with Dr. Michèle Gemünden and Dr. Marion Lehner at ETH Zurich about their experience applying the sustainability competence mindset map. Their insight into how the different disciplines approach sustainability in the classroom have proven very valuable and new insights about the effect of cultural differences have emerged. Our preconceptions about disciplinary norms have been tested and avenues for exploration ignited some very fruitful opportunities for both teacher training and students. Thank you very much for engaging in this work with us and for opening the door to future exchange experiences with the support platform.
I have also been wrapping up the HEDS course and planning for the future with fellow facilitator Steven Curtis, who has been a great support in this work and superb inspiration to us all. We discussed the great journey we have both had, first as participants last year and now as facilitators with international teachers at universities across different disciplines. It is always wonderful to take note about the continued new faces that show interest and engage in this vital work for sustainability education. We recognised a common discussion this year about the political nature of how people talk about sustainability and began to address the idea that sustainability exists without politics. Transformation through alternative didactics and inclusive creativity will help students to build sustainability competencies in a hands, head and heart approach to sustainability challenges. Thank you to everyone at HEDS and of course all in our PBL group!
Most wonderfully, we have had great news from assisstant professor Kent Williams, Dalhousie university, that we received funds from the SSHRC Connection grant to support our international “Transdisciplinary Network for Impact Research & Practice” project. We have put together a presentation that will introduce our work at the 7th PRME Chapter North America Biennial Meeting on May 30th-June 1st. A big thank you to Kent Williams and everybody involved with this application and for organising the upcoming presentation. Keep an eye on this space for information about events, activities and support we will be organising to create action around the world.
In the reflection questions this week, we ask: what preconceptions have been challenged for you recently? how did your mindset adjust to this challenge? and, how do you create impact for transdisciplinary sustainability science?
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