The Ecology of Teaching & Learning (Science)

• Main Authors: Angus McMurtry, Giuliano Reis
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: NMd, Núcleo Multidisciplinar, UALG 2019-05-01
• Series: Revistamultidisciplinar.com
• Subjects: ecology of teaching and learning; complexity science; science education; teacher education; food education
• Online Access: https://revistamultidisciplinar.com/index.php/oj/article/view/11

The present position paper articulates insights of complexity science, a progressive approach to understanding living systems that is compatible with critical perspectives on teaching and learning. Drawing from examples of an outdoor activity in a teacher education science methods course, we argue that complexity science offers an ecological perspective on education itself. That is, learning and teaching are understood as nurturing students to adaptively reorganize their belief systems to adjust to larger biological, social and cultural practices that are themselves constantly evolving. The infusion of complexity theory into education – and the associated development of a wider appreciation for the intricate nature of teaching and learning processes – not only makes it more likely for teachers and students to be able to interact effectively with(in) the world in multileveled and relational ways, but it also empowers (provokes) them to act upon current global socio-ecological problems in more just and sustainable ways.