Futures loss, despair and empowerment work in the University of Vechta: an action research project

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In the University of Vechta, a course ‘Sustainability and the future’ is presented each semester as part of an action research project. is action research project links students and researcher as co-creators of knowledge, specifically researching what can help foster their anticipatory competence (AC). AC is the competence to engage successfully with the future, manage uncertainty and understand key concepts such as the idea of multiple futures and the ability of the future to be shaped. In the action research cycle of designing, delivering, evaluating and then modifying the course in response to emerging themes, one modified method has stood out in addressing a key operationalised aspect of AC – hope and fear in the face of futures loss. is method, that continues to inspire and engage students and reframe their place in connection to their future, Joanna Macy’s ‘despair and empowerment work’, is discussed in more detail.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationEnvisioning Futures for Environmental and Sustainability Education
EditorsPeter Blaze Corcoran, Joseph P. Weakland, Arjen E. J. Wals
Number of pages14
Place of PublicationWageningen
PublisherWageningen Academic Publishers
Publication date2017
Pages243-256
ISBN (print)978-90-8686-303-7
ISBN (electronic)978-90-8686-846-9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Bibliographical note

Senan Gardiner is researcher and lecturer for the Leuphana Institute for Education and Psychology. He is currently researching the intersect between future studies, sustainability activism and educational psychology. For the past ten years he has worked in the field of community and further education, working with higher education institutions, organisations such as Transition Towns Ireland and Stop Climate Chaos to inspire communities to envision a more sustainable post-carbon future. Prior to this he studied and worked as a conservation biologist in the NGO sector. His research interests include ESD, Peace education, community sustainability initiatives and engaging Ecovillages as living and pedagogical laboratories.

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