Creating a Sense of Community and Space for Subjectification in an Online Course on Sustainability Education during Times of Physical Distancing

Autor/inn/en	Hesen, Robbert; Wals, Arjen E. J.; Tauritz, Rebekah L.
Titel	Creating a Sense of Community and Space for Subjectification in an Online Course on Sustainability Education during Times of Physical Distancing
Quelle	In: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 23 (2022) 8, S.85-104 (20 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1467-6370
DOI	10.1108/IJSHE-07-2021-0270
Schlagwörter	Sense of Community; Online Courses; Sustainability; COVID-19; Pandemics; Environmental Education; Personal Autonomy; College Students; Cooperative Learning + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Online course; Online-Kurs; Nachhaltigkeit; Umweltbildung; Umwelterziehung; Umweltpädagogik; Individuelle Autonomie; Collegestudent; Kooperatives Lernen
Abstract	Purpose: This study aims to demonstrate which course elements were responsible for community building, fostering subjectification and learning for being in an online course on environmental and sustainability education (ESE) during the COVID-19 pandemic and physical distancing. Design/methodology/approach: The study investigates a graduate-level course on Environmental Education for Sustainable Living that due to COVID-19 had to be taught mainly online. A retrospective analysis was conducted when the facilitators reflected on why the course, against expectations, appeared to have affected so many students in such a meaningful and profound way as shown by their personal reflections and the course evaluation. Methodologically, this study can be described as explorative and interpretative, although it was complemented by a standardised empirical analytical end-of course evaluation. Findings: Within the context of this study, sense of community is linked to and facilitated by the online learning environment and the educators' and students' roles throughout the course. This study found that interaction and inclusion can be augmented by a hybrid educational design and supported by the mutual efforts of educators and students. Reflective tasks and discussions most prominently evoked subjectification. The encouragement of students to see themselves as central subjects and the inclusion of creative tasks supported both personal exploration and sense of community. Originality/value: This study provides educational institutions teaching online with valuable information regarding course elements that foster subjectification and create a sense of community. This is particularly of interest for the design of online ESE emphasising learning for being and more relational approaches towards teaching and learning. (As Provided).
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Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2024/1/01