Teaching for Transformation: (Re)Designing Sustainability Courses Based on Ecological Principles
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/elp_fac/20/

This paper describes the Burns model, meant to be used in designing courses where sustainability pedagogy and principles are central. This model is made up of 5 interacting goals: "(1) increase learners' systemic understanding of complex sustainability issues (Content); (2) provide learners with opportunities to think critically about dominant paradigms, practices and power relationships and consider complex ecological and social issues from diverse perspectives (Perspectives); (3) enhance learners' civic responsibility and intentions to work toward sustainability through active participation and experience (Process); (4) increase learners' understanding of and connection with the geographical place and the community in which they live (Context); and (5) utilize an ecological course design process that weaves the other four dimensions together to create transformative learning experiences (Design)"

Suggested Citation

Burns, H. (2011) Teaching for transformation: (Re)Designing sustainability courses based on ecological principles. Journal of Sustainability Education, 2.