reflection, collaboration, imagination: children’s learning of sustainability through creative activities paramita atmodiwirjo & yandi andri yatmo department of architecture, universitas indonesia

Our background Teaching architecture at Universitas Indonesia Architectural education background in Indonesia & UK Develop environmental education programme for school children Develop community architecture projects Design for children, schools, special needs Develop environmental education website www.lingkunganku.com (‘my environment’)

Overview of programme Creativity-based environmental education programme since 2006 For pre-school, primary and secondary school children With over 20 schools and neighbourhood communities Holcim Award – Asia Pacific 2008 Involving architecture students as facilitators Various environmental themes

Why learning sustainability? Children as “architects of the future” Towards better life in better environment, not only for now but also for the future UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014): “to integrate the values inherent in sustainable development into all aspects of learning…”

What to learn? human natural environment built environment social-culture science technology economy balance

Some problems in ESD Aspects of environments studied partially or separately Emphasis on theories, lack of application in real surroundings Environment is considered as ‘additional’ subject, separated from other subjects

interconnectedness interdependence ‘my environment’ single; isolated nature social culture ‘my environment’ single; isolated my environment economy others interdependence

Creativity-based approach Planning and design exercise as an approach for learning sustainability

Action to respond to factual issues Learning approach Reflection of facts Analysis; Develop knowledge Creative action based on knowledge Reflection of process Action to respond to factual issues

‘Dream Island’ Project Main challenge: To create self-sufficient environment To fulfill present and future needs To balance needs and resources

REFLECTION COLLABORATION IMAGINATION

Reflection Reflection on basic human needs Awareness of local resources Exploring connectedness

me sea fish milk meat water rice electricity food veg garden fruit paddy field milk meat water rice electricity food me house veg garden fruit drink river water well

Collaboration Working together in dealing with environmental problems & issues Dialog Negotiation

Imagination Creative ideas Freedom to build Explore possibilities

Balanced development Needs and resources Natural and built

Interdependence What happens in one place may affect other people in other places Bogor Depok Jakarta

Programme evaluation Children’s reflection on the programme What they have created What they have learned What they think about the process

Possible future development Integration with school subjects Real action in real environment Networking with children around the world – sharing “our environment” Programme for children School curriculum Real environment Children in other places

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