Developing Sustainability-oriented Marine Scientists: Integrating Socio-scientific Issues in Authentic Ocean Contexts in Higher Education

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Saturday 9:45 am
  In Poster Session: Amplifying Participants' Perspectives to Enhance Learning Environments

Abstract

In response to environmental challenges like biodiversity loss and ocean acidification, this study explores how integrating socioscientific issues into authentic, field-based contexts can foster sustainability-oriented marine scientists. A one-group pretest–posttest design was conducted with 45 university students participating in a 5-day coastal ecosystem workshop in Taiwan. Quantitative findings revealed significant gains in marine ecological science competency, nature relatedness, and ecological worldview. Qualitative data confirmed increased ecological awareness, self-efficacy, and emotional engagement. By combining cognitive and affective dimensions, the SSI-integrated design promoted scientific literacy and environmental stewardship. This study highlights the value of experiential, place-based learning in Education for Sustainable Development, and calls for interdisciplinary collaboration to better prepare the next generation of scientists for sustainability leadership.

Authors

• Wei-Ting Li, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Shuo-Chian Joe Shiu, National Sun Yat-sen University

• Paichi Shein, National Sun Yat-sen University