(UCSD CREATE)
To preserve Earth's species, we need a theory of change that differs from the status quo. Learning provides a vehicle for change. But who needs to learn what, and how will they learn? First, we challenge dominant, often implicit, models of learning as limited to individual brains receiving information in school-like settings. Then, we explore a model of learning ecosystems that involve humans that sense, feel, think, and act within social networks that express their interests, values, and identities. Finally, we consider what might catalyze and sustain learning among people, social groups, organizations, and societies to effect positive change for global biodiversity.
Nan Renner aims to bridge research and practice, applying the learning sciences to education and design. For twenty years, she worked in museums (San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum) in design, exhibit development and evaluation. Her desire to better understand the biological, social, and cultural aspects of learning led to graduate school; she completed a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science at UCSD in 2013. With collaborators, Nan executed the Bilingual Exhibits Research Initiative (BERI)*. She directed an Art of Science Learning Incubator* supporting community-driven innovation addressing regional water scarcity. Presently, she conducts research with UCSD CREATE (Center for Research on Educational Equity, Assessment and Teaching Excellence), teaches in Cognitive Science at UCSD, and contributes to CAM's California Networks for Collaboration.
*Funded by National Science Foundation