Informal, Student-Led Sustainability Initiatives as Learning Spaces for Science and Engineering Students

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Four
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT031 (Saturday)

Abstract

Informal, student-led learning spaces are essential for sustainability uptake within universities and empower students with sustainability competencies. Yet, relatively few studies have investigated such informal, student-led spaces, particularly from the perspectives of STEM students. Therefore, my doctoral study asks: What are the learning experiences of STEM university students in informal, student-led sustainability spaces, and what can universities learn from these experiences? Using participatory visual research, I conduct photo interviews, a photo-prompted World Café discussion, and maintain a research diary. Preliminary analysis of the data shows that students learn about sustainability knowledge and practices through peer engagement and the experiential nature of these initiatives.

Authors

• Midhat Noor Kiyani, McGill University

• Limin Jao, McGill University