Universities provide a platform for students to develop identity and core values that influence how they perceive and communicate environmental issues.  In most cases, these newly developed identities and core values are different from those of their families and previous experiences.  Environmental Science and Studies courses are increasingly becoming part of the General Education curriculum.  Because Environmental Science and Studies courses reach students from a wide-range of disciplines and career goals, there is an opportunity to influence the next generation of change-making students and leaders. 

Recently there has been a focus on active learning in higher education.  At the University of Arizona, Collaborative Learning Spaces provide an opportunity to engage students in driving their own learning.  This discussion symposium is designed to respond to the question: “How can we leverage the advantages of Collaborative Learning Spaces to increase critical and objective thinking and communication of environmental issues?”  The purpose is to bring together people from diverse teaching experiences to deliberate on various classroom strategies and curriculum that would ignite change-making conversation and learning.  Our overall goal is to effectively use Collaborative Learning Spaces to generate students that are ready to engage in objective critical conversations on environment and community wellness.

Co-Facilitator:  Joan E. Curry, University of Arizona, jecurry@email.arizona.edu

Co-Facilitator:  Jacqueline R. Maximillian, University of Arizona, maximillianj@email.arizona.edu

Participant:  Monica D. Ramirez-Andreotta, University of Arizona, mdramire@email.arizona.edu