Decentering humans in the learning sciences: The role of nonhuman nature and place in learning ecosystems

Marijke Hecht, Kevin Crowley, Jennifer L. Russell

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    1 Scopus citations

    Abstract

    What does it mean to do learning sciences research in a more-than-human world? How does considering nonhuman actors as agents for learning impact teaching and learning? We propose shifting our unit of analysis from human interactions to relational processes between humans and nonhuman nature, by which we mean the intra-actions among learners, educators, flora, fauna, land, and waters working together iteratively and reciprocally to support the co-construction of interest and learning. We present two multispecies, micro-ethnographic case studies – moths and arachnids – drawn from a teen summer program in an urban park. These cases exemplify the nuanced ways that humans and nonhuman nature come together through relational processes to support youth environmental interest development.

    Original languageEnglish (US)
    Title of host publication14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences
    Subtitle of host publicationThe Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020 - Conference Proceedings
    EditorsMelissa Gresalfi, Ilana Seidel Horn
    PublisherInternational Society of the Learning Sciences (ISLS)
    Pages501-504
    Number of pages4
    ISBN (Electronic)9781732467255
    StatePublished - 2020
    Event14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences: The Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020 - Nashville, United States
    Duration: Jun 19 2020Jun 23 2020

    Publication series

    NameComputer-Supported Collaborative Learning Conference, CSCL
    Volume1
    ISSN (Print)1573-4552

    Conference

    Conference14th International Conference of the Learning Sciences: The Interdisciplinarity of the Learning Sciences, ICLS 2020
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CityNashville
    Period6/19/206/23/20

    All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

    • Human-Computer Interaction
    • Education

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