Ideas on how to support transformative change
In the face of increasing conflict and uncertainty, there is a growing movement within and beyond the academy to assess the current assumptions underlying knowledge production and learning in higher education. In this seminar, we introduced the notion of transformative learning and shared specific examples that demonstrated possibilities for the university to inspire critical reflection, evaluative judgement, and self-examination.
What is the role of the university? Depending on who you ask, you will receive just as many answers. In its Strategic Plan (2017-2026), Lund University states “[t]he organisation is to safeguard democracy, legality, impartiality, freedom of opinion, respect for the equal value of all human beings, efficiency and service as well as democratic principles, human rights, and freedoms.” Within the context of higher education, what approaches are used to both demonstrate these values as well as equip students to be capable of the same in their professional and civic responsibilities?
This seminar introduced transformative learning as one approach academics can implement in their pedagogical and professional development. Transformative learning refers to a process where individuals change their frames of reference by critically reflecting on their assumptions and beliefs, thus consciously making and implementing changes to their worldview.
During the seminar, we:
- Explored assumptions and expectations within higher education
- Introduced the concept of transformative learning
- Considered its relevance in our teaching practice
- Shared examples and actions to support students’ transformative learning
- Discussed other roles the university shall play in society
For this seminar, we invited contributions from the following speakers:
Lisette van Beek
Lisette is a Postdoctoral Researcher at Utrecht University in the project “The university in a changing climate: new directions for transformative learning”. She explores the problematic assumptions and expectations within higher education, advocating for deep transformative change. For example, she highlights the Urban Futures Studio, which engages in action-oriented and transdisciplinary research at the interface of science and society.
Martina Oxling
Martina is currently a Strategy Consultant in Community Development at Sweden’s PE Teknik & Arkitektur. Formerly, she was the project manager of the Sustainable Futures Hub at the Lund University School of Economics and Management (LUSEM). She will share the initiative “Living the Sustainability Idea”, a voluntary track offered to students in MSc International Strategic Management and MSc in Management at LUSEM. The track challenged students to consider their own individual abilities to affect change at the local, national, and global level, anchored by the Inner Development Goals.
The event was moderated by Terese Thoni, Education Coordinator at the Lund University Sustainability Forum. It was a hybrid event allowing for both online and on-site participation and was conducted in English. It was held on 16 May 2024 at Geocentrum, Sölvegatan 10 between 10:30 and 12:00.
About the Organisers
The seminar was organised as part of the initiative Teaching for Sustainability. We aim to support educators, by developing and organising pedagogical coursework, training opportunities, workshops, expert-led seminars, and other inspiration-rich resources. Our ultimate goal is to foster a culture that enriches the educational experience for both educators and students that meaningfully advances sustainability.
We invite those interested to join our growing Community of Practice – we engage and empower members to explore real approaches to integrate sustainability into their teaching practice. Regularly, we host an inspiration or social event, bringing together the community. Anyone can become a member – the extent of your engagement is entirely up to you.
The initiative Teaching for Sustainability is a cooperation between the Lund University Sustainability Forum, the Division of Higher Education Development (AHU), and the Centre for Engineering Education (CEE).
