Teaching Sustainability Using an Active Learning Constructivist Approach: Discipline-Specific Case Studies in Higher Education

Maria Kalamas Hedden, Roneisha Worthy, Edwin Akins, Vanessa Slinger-Friedman and R. C. Paul
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Maria Kalamas Hedden: Department of Marketing and Professional Sales, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
Roneisha Worthy: Department of Civil and Construction Engineering, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA 30060, USA
Edwin Akins: Department of Architecture, Kennesaw State University, Marietta, GA 30060, USA
Vanessa Slinger-Friedman: Department of Geography and Anthropology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA
R. C. Paul: Emeritus Director of Sustainability, Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA 30144, USA

Sustainability, 2017, vol. 9, issue 8, 1-18

Abstract: In this paper we present our rationale for using an active learning constructivist approach to teach sustainability-related topics in a higher education. To push the boundaries of ecological literacy, we also develop a theoretical model for sustainability knowledge co-creation. Drawing on the experiences of faculty at a major Southeastern University in the United States, we present case studies in architecture, engineering, geography, and marketing. Four Sustainability Faculty Fellows describe their discipline-specific case studies, all of which are project-based learning experiences, and include details regarding teaching and assessment. Easily replicated in other educational contexts, these case studies contribute to the advancement of sustainability education.

Keywords: higher education; sustainability; constructivism; active learning; case studies; architecture; engineering; geography; marketing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (11)

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