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2015 Conference

June 24–27, 2015

San Diego, CA

Sustainability Education Across Boundaries: A Pedgogy of Complexity

Friday, June 26, 2015 at 9:00 AM–10:30 AM PDT
217A Center Hall
Type of Session

Full Presentation Panel

Abstract

More and more college graduates entering the professional work force of the 21st century are confronted with multi-causal “wicked” problems that cannot be effectively addressed through the lens of any one discipline. In response to this dilemma, various models of multi-disciplinary instruction are emerging in higher education as pedagogical approaches better suited to the realities and complexity of real-world problems. Nowhere is this movement to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries more evident than in sustainability education. 

This panel seeks to explore the pedagogical and institutional challenges of multi-disciplinary team-teaching in sustainability education. We focus on all three dimensions of sustainability; thus, our inquiry encompasses the natural and social sciences and the humanities. Our analysis ranges from the mundane yet unavoidable obstacles and opportunities within the realm of curricula policy and bureaucracy, to more fundamental pedagogical issues associated with holistic approaches to curriculum development. By examining how experiences with multi-disciplinary team-teaching vary by disciplinary combinations we gain insights into the synergy and challenges of epistemological pluralism. Longstanding disciplinary traditions and curricular policies coupled with institutional fiscal realities raise questions about the viability of multi-disciplinary team-teaching as an enduring pedagogical innovation. Thus, we conclude by exploring supra-disciplinary approaches to sustainability education focused on preparing students to tackle the challenges of adaptive management at the human-environment interface.

 

 

 

Primary Contact

Dr. Nancy J Manring, Ohio University

Presenters

Dr. Will Focht, Oklahoma State University
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper

Sustainability Education: A Supradisciplinary, Complexity-based Curricular Framework.

Dr. Susan Caplow, University of Montevallo
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper

How does interdisciplinary teaching differ by discipline? An exploration of experiences at University of Montevallo

Dr. Jeffrey Ayres, Saint Michael's College
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper

Building Disciplinary Bridges and Crossing International Borders: The Environmental Study of Sustainable Places in Vermont and Wales

Dr. Jessica Templeton, London School of Economics
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper

Multidisciplinary teaching in the social sciences: Addressing the challenges of epistemological pluralism

Dr. Jonathan Silverman, Ph.D., Saint Michael's College
E-mail address (preferred) or phone number
Title of paper

Building Disciplinary Bridges and Crossing International Borders: The Environmental Study of Sustainable Places in Vermont and Wales

Co-Authors

Dr. Steven A Kolmes, Univ of Portland
Dr. Max Hänska-Ahy, University of Gothenburg
Dr. Neil McLean, London School of Economics

Chair, Facilitator, Or Moderators

Dr. Nancy J Manring, Ohio University
e-mail address (preferred) or phone number

Discussants

Workshop Leaders

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