What’s the best way to learn about interdisciplinary topics? A new Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems publication, “Assessing outcomes of a field-oriented course in natural infrastructure,” helps to answer that question.
The publication, which was recently published in the International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, highlighted how experiential learning can improve student understanding and skills.
Clinical Assistant Professor and lead author, John Aliu, spoke to the importance of hands on experience in education.
“We chose to write this article to showcase an experiential, field-based course in which students visited sites around Athens to observe and study the interaction of natural systems and infrastructure,” Aliu said of the publication. “These hands-on activities helped students connect concepts from other UGA courses on natural infrastructure and nature-based solutions to real-world applications. The course also provided a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with professionals, experts, and local stakeholders, preparing them for interdisciplinary challenges in natural infrastructure.”
The course spanned four-days and combined field-intensive site visits around Athens and coastal Georgia with instruction from professionals, experts and local stakeholders. Its curriculum focused on planning, design, and implementation of natural infrastructure.
The non-traditional format specifically suited interdisciplinary learning.
“Unlike conventional courses, it integrates multiple disciplines, including engineering, ecology, environmental design, and social sciences, so students experience the socio-ecological-technical complexity of natural infrastructure firsthand,” Aliu said.
Because of the interdisciplinary emphasis, the instructors had to adjust their goals accordingly.
“As part of the instructional team, our teaching goals were also distinct as we emphasized bridging theory and practice, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and providing opportunities for students to interact with professionals and local stakeholders, ensuring that learning is directly connected to real-world challenges and decision-making in natural infrastructure.”
After the course, students expressed that the field experiences helped them understand the real-world relevance of natural infrastructure, how design decisions affect communities, and the integration of nature-based solutions with traditional infrastructure–all of which deepened their understanding of socio-ecological-technical systems.
Read the full publication here.