Title: Pedagogical experiences in teaching disciplinary integration: developing integrated frameworks for ecosystem health indicators

Authors: Clare Ginger, Deane Wang

Addresses: University of Vermont, USA. ' University of Vermont, USA

Abstract: Integration of disciplinary knowledge is critical to formulate responses to environmental problems. This paper describes approaches used in a graduate course on integrating analyses of environmental issues. We used seminar and case approaches to promote discussion, risk taking, and development of frameworks. Students developed frameworks to identify indicators of ecosystem health. They moved from creating multidisciplinary lists to diagrams that emphasized relationships among phenomena. We achieved a high level of interaction as students engaged in dialogue and collaboration. Future challenges include establishing bases for critical evaluation of frameworks, identifying factors for choosing pedagogy, and creating a basis for evaluating outcomes.

Keywords: pedagogy; disciplinary integration; ecosystems; ecosystem health indicators; interdisciplinary; multidisciplinary; environmental education; graduate courses; environmental issues; collaboration.

DOI: 10.1504/IER.2000.053993

Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 2000 Vol.2 No.2, pp.67 - 84

Published online: 13 May 2013 *

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