Strengthening learning processes in natural resource management in developing countries through interdisciplinary and problemoriented learning

• Published in: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education 2003, Vol.4 (2), p.106-125
• Main Authors: Dohn, Helge, Gausset, Quentin, Mertz, Ole, Mller, Torsten, Oksen, Peter, Triantafillou, Peter
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: Developing countries; Environmental management strategy; Evaluation; Field research; Problembased learning
• ISSN: 1467-6370
• DOI: 10.1108/14676370310467104

In 1998 three Danish universities developed an interdisciplinary, problemoriented curriculum in order to strengthen capacitybuilding capabilities in the area of environmental education, training and research at universities and research organisations in Malaysia and Thailand earmarked for environment and development assistance by the Danish government. The programme, which was partly implemented in developing countries as periods of fieldwork, represented important educational innovations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate these activities. The distinct principles forming the educational foundation of the programme were identified. These related to the curriculum organization, the learning tasks and the learning environment. The first step in a cogent evaluation process was to examine how the educational principles were oprerationalized into practical teachinglearning steps. In the next step, they formed the criteria for the evaluation. On the basis of quantitative and qualitative data it was shown that the programme fulfilled the stipulated accademic requirements.