Climate Pedagogy Symposium: Educators Unite to Advance Climate Change Education
The Climate Pedagogy Symposium brought together educators from higher education institutions across the Waterloo region to share innovative approaches to climate change education (CCE). Hosted collaboratively by the Waterloo Climate Institute at the University of Waterloo, Conestoga College, and Wilfrid Laurier University, the event facilitated discussions on decolonizing CCE, active learning strategies, reflective and reflexive teaching, interdisciplinarity, and addressing climate emotions.
The symposium served as a platform for educators to explore and exchange innovative teaching strategies for CCE. It also underscored the critical role of education in addressing climate change and the need for ongoing collaboration and dialogue among post-secondary educators to enhance climate pedagogy across disciplines.
Symposium participants gather outside for a tour of a food garden at Balsillie School of International Affairs courtyard.
Opening plenary shared a documentary featuring Elder Norma Jacobs from Six Nations of the Grand River.
Over 70 participants attended the event, which commenced with an opening plenary session featuring introductions from the collaborating institutions and discussions focused on decolonizing CCE. Subsequently, faculty and educators participated in the six interactive sessions where they shared personal experiences and pedagogical strategies. These sessions provided valuable insights into various aspects of CCE:
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Decolonizing CCE: Discussions focused on integrating Indigenous Knowledge and perspectives into climate education with Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, fostering a more inclusive and holistic approach.
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Active Learning Strategies: Educators explored methods to engage students actively, making learning more dynamic and impactful.
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Reflective and Reflexive Teaching: Sessions emphasized the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in teaching, encouraging educators to continuously reflect on and improve their methods.
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Interdisciplinarity: Participants discussed the benefits of integrating multiple disciplines in climate education to provide a comprehensive understanding of climate issues.
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Addressing Climate Emotions: Strategies were shared for helping students navigate the emotional challenges associated with learning about climate change.
A report of the proceedings from the symposium is being created which aims to inspire and guide educators in integrating climate pedagogies into their curricula. By fostering a community of practice, the event highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared learning in advancing climate change education. The Waterloo Climate Institute Is a central hub for CCE at the University of Waterloo and across Canada, engaging in many initiatives to further integrate CCE into post-secondary education.
For more information on Waterloo Climate Institute’s programs and services visit: https://uwaterloo.ca/climate-institute/educational-programs
