Scaling Sustainability Learning: Size and Scope Matter

Michael S Duggan; Timothy F Smith; Dana C Thomsen

doi:10.1177/0973408214526484

Back

Scaling Sustainability Learning: Size and Scope Matter

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Scaling Sustainability Learning: Size and Scope Matter

Michael S Duggan, Timothy F Smith and Dana C Thomsen

Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, Vol.7(2), pp.151-165

2013

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/0973408214526484

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1177/0973408214526484View

Published Version

Abstract

Specialist Studies in Education

decentralized networks

education for sustainability

globalization

monitoring and evaluation

scalability

sustainability learning

Working across scales presents barriers and opportunities to Education for Sustainability (EfS) programmes. It changes the way these programmes are implemented and can provide the tools for addressing systemic problems that have so far eluded localized approaches to sustainability learning. In particular, issues of scale affect the implementation of contemporary EfS through: (i) greater use of communication technologies that can support information exchange and educational programmes across ever-increasing distances; (ii) the development of a broader scope for educational investment from outcomes based around individuals to opportunities for societies and even globally; and (iii) increased emphasis on the intractable nature of complex sustainability issues towards a focus on approaches that can effectively link local and global scales. Decentralized, global networks have emerged in the development, operation and implementation of EfS programmes to capitalize on these advantages and address issues associated with scale. However, there is little documented evidence of the success of decentralized global network approaches or of the inherent barriers and opportunities in scaling up EfS programmes from the local to the global scale. This article examines the concept of 'scalability' to develop a theoretical framework for the evaluation of EfS programmes delivered through decentralized global networks.

Details

Title: Scaling Sustainability Learning: Size and Scope Matter
Authors: Michael S Duggan (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Timothy F Smith (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Dana C Thomsen (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Arts and Business
Publication details: Journal of Education for Sustainable Development, Vol.7(2), pp.151-165
Publisher: Sage Publications Inc.
Date published: 2013
DOI: 10.1177/0973408214526484
ISSN: 0973-4082; 0973-4082
Organisation Unit: School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448980402621
Output Type: Journal article

Metrics

6 File views/ downloads

621 Record Views