Cultivating students' sustainability-oriented learning at the interface of science and society: a configuration of interrelated enablers. Issue 8 (15th July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tassone, Valentina C.; den Brok, Perry; Tho, Cassandra W.S.; Wals, Arjen E.J.
• Is Part Of: International journal of sustainability in higher education. Volume 23:Issue 8(2022)
• Page Start: 255
• Page End: 271
• Publication Date: 2022-07-15
• Subjects: Sustainability -- Higher education -- Eco-social system -- Enablers of learning -- Science-society -- Transdisciplinary learning environments; Environmental education -- Periodicals; Environmental responsibility -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- Periodicals; Sustainable development -- Periodicals; 333.70711
• DOI: 10.1108/IJSHE-01-2022-0014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-6370

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose: By envisioning the learning environment as an eco-social system, this study aims to map interrelated enablers of students' sustainability-oriented learning (SoL) in the context of a university course at the interface of science and society. Design/methodology/approach: A case-study approach was used to delineate what enables student learning in a university-wide transdisciplinary Master of Science course. A sample of 102 students, university and societal stakeholders participated to this study, by sharing their experiences and views through focus groups and questionnaires. Findings: A main finding is the development of a configuration of six intertwined enablers that through their interplay help to cultivate students' SoL, in the course under exploration. Originality/value: This study paves the way for a re-orientation of how to explore learning in complex environments. It shows that adopting a relational, situated and systems approach is not only feasible but is also desirable to understand and guide learning practices in complex environments.