ACTIVE LEARNING

                       Active learning is a student-centered pedagogy, involving working on real problems, focusing on learning and actually implementing solutions. It is a form of learning by doing and reflection that is heavily influenced by various forms of social learning. Social learning recognizes that in addition to our direct experience we learn by observing others around us. Our peers, relatives, media icons etc. The process integrates: research (into what is obscure); learning (about what is unknown); and action (to resolve a problem) into a single activity and develops an attitude of questioning and reflection to help individuals and organizations change themselves in a rapidly changing world. Crucially, it includes specific opportunity for reflection on what has been learned. Specific pedagogic strategies such as appreciative inquiry, brainstorming, mind mapping, 'planning for real' and scenario techniques, often characterize active learning, but there are many different methodologies.

          Active learning offers a way into learning about the complexity and uncertainty of sustainable development, as well as potentially changing attitudes and behaviour. Facilitating the creation of an action-oriented, sustainability-focused citizenry is no easy task. Behaviours and actions are influenced by a range of factors, including moral, emotional and social factors, facilitating conditions (policy and peer pressure) and the deeply embedded nature of habit. It is also influenced by rational thought and disposition. But can it shift individual's preferred transport choices, eating habits, leisure activities and lifestyle expectations? The role of active learning in this process of change is enormously complex. However, there is a growing body of empirical evidence which suggests that active learning approaches can help learners to understand what is happening in the sustainability arena; it can also assist them in exploring new avenues at their own pace as well as facilitating their participation and identifying their personal role and responsibilities.