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A Pedagogy of Hope FINAL.pdf (9.5 MB)

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A Pedagogy of Hope: Levers of Change in Transformative Place-based Learning Systems

Heaton, Michelle G.
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2028-8366
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1588265231971143

Abstract Details

2020, Ph.D., Antioch University, Antioch New England: Environmental Studies.
In response to mounting wicked environmental problems and an outdated U.S. educational system, this dissertation investigates transformative place-based education as an adaptive boundary system that connects individual learning to positive social-ecological change. The research approaches learning through a systems lens through a novel framework of Social-ecological Systems, Place-based Education, and Transformative Learning Theories. A three-part mixed methods approach, including content analysis of the literature, phenomenological interviews with experts in place-based education, and fuzzy-logic cognitive mapping with educators at three schools practicing the principles of place-based education, is used to examine transformative place-based education from the perspectives of current U.S. place-based educators. Twenty-four components of a transformative place-based learning system are identified in the research and used in constructing fuzzy-logic cognitive maps. Four essential themes emerge from the data that are discussed as levers that link individual learning to positive social-ecological change: active engagement, context and connection to place, collaborative real-world problem solving, and courageous leadership. The research indicates that most central to transformative place-based learning experiences is real-world problem solving. The causal relationships between real-world problem solving and almost every other learning system component, including agency, change, and place, creates the strongest link in this study between individual learning and positive social-ecological change.
Jimmy Karlan, Ed.D. (Committee Chair)
Lisbeth Willey, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Nikki Gamrath, Ed.D. (Committee Member)
172 p.
Education; Educational Theory; Environmental Education; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies
place-based education; transformative learning; fuzzy-logic cognitive mapping; social-ecological systems; learning systems; real-world problem solving

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Heaton, M. G. (2020). A Pedagogy of Hope: Levers of Change in Transformative Place-based Learning Systems [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1588265231971143

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Heaton, Michelle. A Pedagogy of Hope: Levers of Change in Transformative Place-based Learning Systems. 2020. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1588265231971143.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Heaton, Michelle. "A Pedagogy of Hope: Levers of Change in Transformative Place-based Learning Systems." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1588265231971143

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1588265231971143
392
© 2020, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.