Socio-Ecological Education: Shifting the Education System

Workshop Presentation
Maureen Jack La Croix  

This workshop will share findings of doctoral research based on Metro Vancouver’s first Socio-Ecological Education ‘Social Innovation Lab’ and engage participants in a lively dialogue process designed by Joanna Macy that ensures all voices are heard. Effective and engaging environmental education has been offered by innovative teachers in various secondary schools throughout BC for the past decade, but several entrenched factors have impeded systemic change. Social Innovation labs are emerging as an effective process to facilitate systemic innovations in the health, social services and other complex institutions; the time is ripe to bring this process for systemic change into the field of secondary schools. Interviews and focus group research with a dozen fully engaged environmental teachers, administrators and students have revealed common challenges and opportunities within the existing education system that need to be addressed. This foundational research is being used to launch a “Socio-Ecological Education Social Innovation Lab” in Metro Vancouver. This workshop invites delegates to take part in an experiential process designed by renown social scientist, author and environmentalist, Joanna Macy, to share your views. What do you think are the fundamental challenges that are blocking the widespread dissemination of socio-ecological, integrated, place-based, authentic, critical thinking, emotionally engaged, imaginative education in today’s public-school system? Hear from other educators, more-than-human and future voices who are ready for change. Optionally, and with your consent, your anonymous workshop process can be included in the doctoral research informing the Social Innovation Lab process currently underway.