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Groulx M, Winegardner A, Brisbois MC, Fishback LA, Linde R, Levy K, Booth A. Place and transformative learning in climate change focused community science. Facets (Ott) 2021. [DOI: 10.1139/facets-2021-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Community science involves the co-creation of scientific pursuits, learning, and outcomes and is presented as a transformative practice for community engagement and environmental governance. Emphasizing critical reflection, this study adopts Mezirow’s conception of transformative learning to theorize the transformative capacity of community science. Findings from interviews with participants in a community science program reveal critical reflection, although instances acknowledging attitudes and beliefs without challenging personal assumptions were more common. Program elements most likely to prompt participants to identify beliefs, values, and assumptions include data collection and interaction in team dynamics, whereas data collection in a novel environment was most likely to prompt participants to challenge their beliefs, values, and assumptions. A review of 71 climate change focused programs further demonstrates the extent that program designs support transformative learning. Key features of the community science landscape like the broad inclusion of stated learning objectives offer a constructive starting point for deepening transformative capacity, while the dominance of contributory program designs stands as a likely roadblock. Overall, this study contributes by applying a developed field to theorize transformation in relation to community science and by highlighting where facilitators should focus program design efforts to better promote transformation toward environmental sustainability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Groulx
- School of Planning and Sustainability, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Amanda Winegardner
- Churchill Northern Studies Centre, P.O. Box 610, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
| | - Marie Claire Brisbois
- Science Policy Research Unit, Business School, University of Sussex, Jubilee Building, Falmer Brighton, BN1 9SL, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Ann Fishback
- Churchill Northern Studies Centre, P.O. Box 610, Churchill, MB R0B 0E0, Canada
| | - Rachelle Linde
- Natural Resources and Environmental Studies, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Kristin Levy
- School of Planning and Sustainability, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
| | - Annie Booth
- School of Planning and Sustainability, University of Northern British Columbia, 3333 University Way, Prince George, BC V2N 4Z9, Canada
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