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Project-Based Learning in a Transinstitutional Research Setting: Case Study on the Development of Sustainable Food Products

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  • Hartmut Derler

    (Institute of Applied Production Sciences, Sustainable Food Management, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, Eggenberger Allee 11, 8020 Graz, Austria
    Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, Merangasse 18/1, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Simon Berner

    (Institute of Applied Production Sciences, Sustainable Food Management, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, Eggenberger Allee 11, 8020 Graz, Austria)

  • Daniela Grach

    (Department of Dietetics and Nutrition, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Strasse 24, 8344 Bad Gleichenberg, Austria)

  • Alfred Posch

    (Institute of Systems Sciences, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, Merangasse 18/1, 8010 Graz, Austria)

  • Ulrike Seebacher

    (Institute of Applied Production Sciences, Sustainable Food Management, University of Applied Sciences FH JOANNEUM, Eggenberger Allee 11, 8020 Graz, Austria)

Abstract

Project-based learning (PBL) has been thoroughly integrated in university sustainable development curricula, but has not been well-established in curricula used at pre-university educational levels. Integrating real-world settings into the teaching of secondary school students can help to promote problem-solving skills and competencies at younger ages, which is a crucial task in sustainability education. Therefore, in this article we describe the results of a case study on the development of sustainable food products that involved a university and two secondary schools in Austria. The methods used in this case study were drawn from the transdisciplinary case study (TCS) and the PBL literature. Data were collected by carrying out participatory research methods such as photovoice, focus group discussions, food diaries, student evaluations, and surveys. We divided the study design into three phases: (1) exploration, (2) product ideation, and (3) product prototyping and optimisation. The case study illustrates that the use of PBL research approaches by students at different levels of education provides promising results, if the research process is clearly structured and managed. When a demand for learning is encountered by students, secondary school teachers and university researchers must provide the students with additional sources of information. The establishment and management of a transinstitutional research setting is a promising, yet time-consuming endeavour.

Suggested Citation

  • Hartmut Derler & Simon Berner & Daniela Grach & Alfred Posch & Ulrike Seebacher, 2019. "Project-Based Learning in a Transinstitutional Research Setting: Case Study on the Development of Sustainable Food Products," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(1), pages 1-15, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2019:i:1:p:233-:d:302396
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    References listed on IDEAS

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