Traditional ways of teaching are the outcome of the value system within the industrial growth model and market economy, with its reductive view of human nature and its requirement of infinite economic growth on our finite planet. The traditional role of the teacher as provider of information and students as consumers of the provided information is becoming an outdated paradigm.
“Sustainable development”, as defined in Our Common Future (World Commission on Environment and Development 1987) - commonly known as the Brundtland Report - is “development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Almost thirty years later, even though it is still widely referred to, the term has not been successful in activating a collective initiative towards a sustainable future. Plant the Seed workshop series is founded on the idea that the concepts of sustainable development must be taught in a way that mirrors the values underpinning said development. This means that the industrialized model of society that gave birth to the dominant paradigm cannot be replicated when we teach for sustainable development.
An innovative, holistic, interactive approach to the learning process in higher education for sustainability is thus required for students/younger generation to adapt to a world with unprecedented change. Stellenbosch University offered a social enterprise – Plant the Seed Education - to pilot its first workshop designed course in sustainability for higher learning. The course was designed for EDP students within the faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Plant the Seed Education, adopts a model of a workshop over the traditional lecture in effort to facilitate learning and the development of key skills/outcomes:
- Self - Knowledge
- Collaborative skills
- Communication skills
- Problem – solving
- Critical thinking
- Leadership
- Knowledge of sustainability
The course was crafted by director of Plant the Seed -Thomas Chevallier and educational facilitator – Kirstin Conradie. Thomas studied at the sustainability Institute and is the founder of the Sustainable Brothers and Sisters movement. Thomas is passionate in dynamic/innovative educational models and Kirstin is passionate about critical thinking and cooperative learning.
The course follows a roadmap of ideas that have essentially shaped the world. This allowed the students to understand the current poly-crisis that exists today. After the course students are well equipped with the learning outcomes (mentioned above) and are able to understand the world from a more holistic standpoint.
The students are also equipped with ‘active citizenry ‘ which will help them become the change in their sphere of influence – aligning with the mission statement of Plant the Seed – connected, conscious and courageous custodians of a future world. The aim is to change mind-sets and spark interests in the field of Sustainable development – and the facilitators believe they achieved this goal.
Designing the course was inspiring and the facilitators learnt a lot, however there is still room for improvement. Tom and Kirstin are excited to facilitate more workshops in sustainability education and are excited with their new collaboration with Bishops school (Diocesan college for boys).