Learning Ecologies
Green Learning Ecology refers to the development of a learning ecosystem that integrates environmental education with real-world, out-of-school learning experiences. It emphasizes the connections between formal education and informal learning settings, involving a wide range of stakeholders including educators, students, scientists, policy experts, and community members (Sotiriou et. al., 2024).
This approach aims to foster a deeper understanding of environmental issues, promote sustainability citizenship, and support the development of resilient social-ecological systems. By drawing on socio-cultural learning theory and frameworks from ecological research, Green Learning Ecology seeks to create a learning ecosystem that encourages active engagement with environmental challenges, facilitates the building of social capital, enhances ecosystem services, and prepares individuals for future opportunities in personal, academic, professional, and civic realms.
The concept is fully in line with the OECD landmark report Back to the Future of Education: Four Scenarios for Schooling (OECD, 2020) to support long-term strategic thinking in education. The document proposes the re-organisation of formal and informal learning environments, and remaining education content and delivery. Green Learning Ecologies supports this re-organisation of the learning environments, focusing on Schools as Learning Hubs and Learning-as-you-go OECD scenarios for the future of schooling.
For more information on Learning Ecologies please refer to the Inspiring Practices in the SYNAPSES Portal.