Integrating problem- and project-based learning into sustainability programs

What is it about?

This article presents the problem- and project-based sustainability learning initiative developed in the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. It presents the diverse PPBL activities offered to undergraduate and graduate students and examines the institutional structures in place that support these activities. The article won the Outstanding Paper of 2014 Award of the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education.

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Why is it important?

The paper can help other programs to articulate the benefits of a problem- and project-based sustainability learning initiative, anticipate implementation challenges and successfully support their own PPBL initiatives through adequate institutional structures. The case study points to the fact that the major impact on both student learning and outcomes for partner organizations is achieved through a concerted effort by the organization as a whole. Successful PPBL programs require both top-down commitments from the administration and bottom-up drive from interested faculty and students.