Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
questions. In some cases, strategic partnerships can help people to address
questions, obstacles and opportunities for action.
(Tilbury and Wortman, 2004: 25)
Critical thinking and reflection
Critical thinking and reflection means exploring questions and the answers and
actions they elicit. Critical thinking invites a questioning of information sources, of
social behaviour and community relationships, of the nature of political power and
governmental decision-making, and of the role of technology, big business and science
in our society. It invites us to investigate and understand the basis of our pre-given
assumptions, ideas and values. Critical thinking helps us to understand the systemic
causes of problems and avoid simplistic or misconceived solutions. Critical thinking
enables us to explore the cultural and/or religious influences shaping our worldviews.
Self-reflection and critical thinking can facilitate values clarification and participation
in the sustainable development processes.
Participation in decision-making
Participation in decision-making is a key element in sustainable development, ranging
in practice from cursory consultations more akin to the manipulation of the weak
by the powerful to genuine full stakeholder engagements empowering communities
and individuals. Learners are therefore at the centre, building skills, increasing
confidence, and developing knowledge and understanding in a free and democratic
manner, with the professional educator acting as a facilitator rather than 'expert'.
Participation helps learners self-organize to develop greater self-reliance and a stronger
sense of personal, cultural or community identity, which in turn can deepen a
commitment to lifelong learning and long-term sustainable actions.
Multi-agency partnership working
Multi-agency partnership working is a key means of effecting sustainable, structural
change at global, societal and community levels. ESD partnerships frequently involve
formal education institutions, businesses and community groups working to create
a shared vision and common ground for action. Partnerships can seek synergies,
share knowledge and skills, and develop capacity to lever vital private and public
sector project-funding. Ideally, partnerships should nurture long-term commitments
and predispositions for sustainable learning and change. The Johannesburg Summit
suggested two main types of partnerships for sustainability:
Type l: government partnerships aiming to fulfill agreed commitments.
Type ll: voluntary and self-organizing partnerships of government, international
organizations and major civil society groups.
Systemic thinking
Systemic thinking encourages us to think outside of our familiar boxes. It is a
relational way of thinking, enabling us to focus on processes rather than things,
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