SALTISE Webinar | Experiences with Transdisciplinary Course Designs

Research is increasingly recognizing the significant benefits that inter- and transdisciplinary learning processes can offer when engaging with complex issues like climate and sustainability. However, designing, leading, and securing institutional support for transdisciplinary sustainability courses remains a challenge in most universities, CEGEPs and schools.

In this talk, Blane Harvey and Emily Sprowls will share their experiences as co-designers, co-instructors and co-learners in an innovative environmental and sustainability education course at McGill University. Drawing on research conducted as part of this course, as well as 3 other recent sustainability courses in McGill’s Faculty of Education, they will share insights on the enablers, barriers, and potential contributions of transdisciplinary teaching and learning for sustainability. Using a combination of presentation and interactive engagement, participants will be invited to reflect on strategies for realizing the benefits of transdisciplinary sustainability teaching while anticipating and responding to the challenges that these approaches may encounter.

Presenters:

• Blane Harvey, Associate professor and William Dawson Scholar in the Department of Integrated Studies in Education at McGill University
• Emily Sprowls, Faculty Lecturer and researcher in the Department of Education at McGill University