Adding Value to Education for Sustainability in Africa with Inquiry-Based Approaches in Open and Distance Learning

Autor/inn/en	Pretorius, Rudi; Lombard, Andrea; Khotoo, Anisa
Titel	Adding Value to Education for Sustainability in Africa with Inquiry-Based Approaches in Open and Distance Learning
Quelle	In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 17 (2016) 2, S.167-187 (21 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1467-6370
DOI	10.1108/IJSHE-07-2014-0110
Schlagwörter	Open Education; Distance Education; Role; Sustainability; Environmental Education; Inquiry; Teaching Methods; Educational Benefits; Geography; Undergraduate Students; Instructional Innovation; Place Based Education; Information Technology; Foreign Countries; Africa + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Offene Erziehung; Offener Unterricht; Distance study; Distance learning; Fernunterricht; Rollen; Nachhaltigkeit; Umweltbildung; Umwelterziehung; Umweltpädagogik; Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Bildungsertrag; Geografie; Educational Innovation; Bildungsinnovation; Informationstechnologie; Ausland; Afrika
Abstract	Purpose: Inquiry-based approaches can potentially enrich sustainability learning in any educational context, more so in open and distance learning (ODL--perceived as theoretically inclined) and in regions of educational need (such as the Global South, of which Africa forms part). The purpose of this paper is to map the benefits and challenges of using inquiry-based learning (IBL), with reference to ODL and the value added by IBL in terms of education for sustainability (EfS) in Africa. Design/Methodology/Approach: Evidence-based reflection is used to provide a narrative assessment of the experience gained with IBL in two undergraduate sustainability-focussed modules in the Department of Geography at the University of South Africa (Unisa), an ODL provider in Africa and the Global South. Findings: Consideration of enabling and limiting factors indicates that although constraints are experienced, adoption of IBL approaches holds potential as pedagogic for EfS in Africa, due to grounding of learning in theory and applied to local places/contexts. This indicates a role for IBL to change perceptions regarding the lack of practical utility of ODL. Originality/Value: Implementing place-based and contextual IBL is innovative in ODL. It adds value to learning experiences and supports transformative learning, both important components of EfS and addressing a need in the African context. Practitioners will find the experience gained with implementation of IBL, coupled with possibilities associated with information and communication technologies, of value. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01