Scaffolding, software and scenarios: Applying Bruner's learning theory to energy scenario development with the public
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In: Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Vol. 81, No. 1, 01.2014, p. 131-142.
Research output: Journal contributions › Journal articles › Research › peer-review
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TY - JOUR
T1 - Scaffolding, software and scenarios
T2 - Applying Bruner's learning theory to energy scenario development with the public
AU - Upham, Paul
AU - Carney, Sebastian
AU - Klapper, Rita
PY - 2014/1
Y1 - 2014/1
N2 - While there is a literature on public and stakeholder engagement in environmental research and scenario development, less attention has been given to the individual learning processes that take place in these contexts. We present public perceptions of emission contraction scenarios for the UK city of Manchester and discuss this in terms of learning theory developed by Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner. A key theme of this was the combination of three learning tools: scaffolding techniques, scenario building and backcasting. Overall, participants had little trouble envisaging a city-scale 41% CO2 emissions reduction by 2020 relative to a 2005 baseline. However envisaging a 90% CO2 emissions reduction for 2050 was found much more difficult, inducing discussion of whether some forms of compulsion might be justifiable. Despite detailed discussion and real-time, modelled feedback on the emissions implications of various energy technology scenarios, participants largely retained their original attitudes towards individual technologies and demand reduction options.
AB - While there is a literature on public and stakeholder engagement in environmental research and scenario development, less attention has been given to the individual learning processes that take place in these contexts. We present public perceptions of emission contraction scenarios for the UK city of Manchester and discuss this in terms of learning theory developed by Lev Vygotsky and Jerome Bruner. A key theme of this was the combination of three learning tools: scaffolding techniques, scenario building and backcasting. Overall, participants had little trouble envisaging a city-scale 41% CO2 emissions reduction by 2020 relative to a 2005 baseline. However envisaging a 90% CO2 emissions reduction for 2050 was found much more difficult, inducing discussion of whether some forms of compulsion might be justifiable. Despite detailed discussion and real-time, modelled feedback on the emissions implications of various energy technology scenarios, participants largely retained their original attitudes towards individual technologies and demand reduction options.
KW - Bruner
KW - Climate
KW - Energy
KW - Learning
KW - Perceptions
KW - Public opinion
KW - Scenarios
KW - Sustainability sciences, Communication
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84888016859&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - https://www.mendeley.com/catalogue/9d181781-4ab0-30ad-9289-760ca1df93a3/
U2 - 10.1016/j.techfore.2013.05.001
DO - 10.1016/j.techfore.2013.05.001
M3 - Journal articles
AN - SCOPUS:84888016859
VL - 81
SP - 131
EP - 142
JO - Technological Forecasting and Social Change
JF - Technological Forecasting and Social Change
SN - 0040-1625
IS - 1
ER -