Education and Learning in Sustainability Transitions

Education and Learning in Sustainability Transitions is a Thematic Group designed for
sustainability transitions educators, researchers, students, and practitioners. The group’s
purpose is two-fold: to revitalise dialogue within the Sustainability Transitions Research
Network (STRN) regarding learning processes, and promote knowledge sharing on
educational approaches for sustainability.

Education and learning are considered critical in advancing sustainability transitions. There is
a need to ensure that theories and practices in this field are both fit for purpose, and
produce real-world impact. While societal learning and education processes may vary in
their focus, both emphasize the importance of understanding and improving how people
learn about sustainability challenges and solutions. They integrate insights from multiple
disciplines and diverse perspectives to foster societal change and innovate in their
approaches to learning and teaching about sustainability. Thematic Group aims to leverage
these shared goals and complementary strengths to drive transformative change in
sustainability education and practice.

Despite progress in recent decades, gaps remain in understanding inter- and
transdisciplinary learning processes. Researchers highlight the need for better understanding
the effectiveness of design elements and strategies for such education, as well as the
connections between learning processes and outcomes. Further analysis is needed to better
understand how learning leads to change and contributes to transitions. Additionally, there
is significant potential to explore how universities can transform to enable effective learning
and education for sustainability transitions. These gaps and opportunities justify the need
for a dedicated thematic group to advance knowledge and drive innovation in this field.
As such, this TG builds upon the significant interest and attention the topic has garnered at
recent conferences and in the academic literature, and aims to foster connections and
strengthen collaborative research efforts between members of the STRN, to drive
transformative change in sustainability education and practice.

Specific TG priorities:
● Advance Understanding: Develop and refine key concepts and theories related to
learning and education in and for sustainability transitions.
● Facilitate Collaboration: Create opportunities for interdisciplinary and international
research projects.
● Support Innovation: Foster innovative pedagogical and learning approaches.
● Build Capacity: Mentor and train early-career researchers through workshops,
seminars, and collaborative research.
● Exchange Knowledge: Serve as a central hub for sharing research results, data, and
insights.

Join us (edulearn.strn@gmail.com) as we innovate, collaborate, and engage with learning
and education in and for sustainability transitions!