FROM VISIONS TO REALIZATIONS - Keeping the past alive while enabling the future
Topic
In this case study, participants are encouraged to learn from sustainability issues and real- world transdisciplinary research in Southern Transylvania in Romania. The participants’ main task is to construct a fictitious transdisciplinary research project to support sustainability initiatives in implementing transformation processes considering social-ecological challenges of Southern Transylvania. For this, participants should closely link to a future scenario that was built in previous research in Southern Transylvania.
Learning objectives
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Learn basics of transdisciplinary research and related methods by applying them to a real-world context
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Gain first insights on how to design transdisciplinary research projects
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Work collaboratively in teams and find out about new tools and methods for effective teamwork
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Get to know your competencies as a transdisciplinary researcher
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Adopt a role as a leading position in a transdisciplinary research project
Methods
The main task is to collaboratively develop a project proposal in small groups. To simulate contextual dependencies, each group will be allocated a different primary contact stakeholder, whom they will be constructing their project with.
Tasks include a group building exercise, individual group working phases and a reflection exercise. The tasks are supported by literature on transdisciplinary methods (design thinking) and allow for creativity and freedom in designing a transdisciplinary project.
Application
This case study was applied in two Master courses as an introductory element to transdisciplinary research. However, the schedule is adaptable and can be applied in various teaching formats (e.g., course element, summer school)
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