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Case-based Mutual Learning Sessions: knowledge integration and transfer in transdisciplinary processes

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  • The Reality of Transdisciplinary Processes
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Abstract

Mutual learning is a fundamental element in transdisciplinary (Td) sustainability research. It allows for integrating knowledge and experiences gained in different contexts, including the building of consensus about necessary transformations to reach sustainability solutions. To successfully achieve mutual learning, appropriate conditions are required. These range from providing boundary objects that serve knowledge integration, the development of a common language and knowledge, and shared experiences to transparency concerning the objectives and motives of all those involved. Mutual learning is particularly challenging from an intercultural perspective in both local and global processes. Interaction among the participants is based on experiential, educational, and cultural dimensions that induce different types of knowledge and cognition, thought styles, socializations, constraints and preferences in socio-political structures and day-to-day practices. In this article, formats of case-based Mutual Learning Sessions (cbMLS) that organize mutual learning based on a single case or a set of cases are presented. The different formats have been developed and studied in the context of a global Td process on phosphorus management (i.e., the Global TraPs project). After presenting the formats of cbMLS, the paper presents the first results from an empirical, integrated qualitative study based on interviews and observations, and discusses potentials and limitations of cbMLS, in particular their application in an international context. We further highlight challenges and learning experiences that have to be met in Td mutual learning processes.

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Acknowledgments

We thank the Global TraPs Co-leader Amit Roy and practice manager Debbie Hellums, IFDC, USA with team for supporting the implementation of the cbMLS, the booklet preparation and the accompanying research and Fusuo Zhang, China Agricultural University (CAU), China with team for hosting and Anjan Datta, UNEP, Kenya with team for co-hosting the First Global TraPs World Conference, Beijing. We further thank the Members of the Knowledge Integration Unit of the Global TraPs project—Daniel J. Lang, Gerald Steiner and Tim McDaniels—for supporting the development and implementation of the cbMLS and the students of the Knowledge Integration Support Unit—Colin Bien, Nils Droste, Franz Ecker, Franziska Fischer, Achim Hagen, Sean Nino Lotze, Clemens Olbrich and Marie Schoenau (all Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg), Oliver Gantner (University of Augsburg), James Cooper (University of Birmingham) and Kimo van Dijk (University of Wageningen)—for their contributions in developing the cbMLS formats and for supporting the cbMLS during the preparation, case encounter and post-processing phase as well as the accompanying research with interviews and observations during the conference. We also thank all case agents and case scientists of the cbMLS and the participants for their contribution to the First Global TraPs World Conference and the accompanying research and the students from CAU for their practical support during the workshop phase. We thank Esther Meyer for prove reading and critical comments. For travel support we thank Leuphana University.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Methods, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Scharnhorststr. 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany

    Ulli Vilsmaier & Moritz Engbers

  2. Institute of Ethics and Transdisciplinary Sustainability Research, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Scharnhorststr. 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany

    Ulli Vilsmaier, Moritz Engbers & Philip Luthardt

  3. Institute of Corporate Development, Leuphana University of Lüneburg, Scharnhorststr. 1, 21335, Lüneburg, Germany

    Rina Marie Maas-Deipenbrock

  4. School of Computing Science, Business Administration, Economics, and Law, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Ammerländer Heerstr. 114-118, 26129, Oldenburg, Germany

    Sebastian Wunderlich

  5. Fraunhofer Institute for Interfacial Engineering and Biotechnology, Nobelstr. 12, 70569, Stuttgart, Germany

    Roland W. Scholz

  6. Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmühlernstr. 14, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland

    Roland W. Scholz

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  1. Ulli Vilsmaier
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Correspondence to Ulli Vilsmaier.

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Handled by Gerald Steiner, Danube University Krems, Austria, and Harvard University, USA.

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Vilsmaier, U., Engbers, M., Luthardt, P. et al. Case-based Mutual Learning Sessions: knowledge integration and transfer in transdisciplinary processes. Sustain Sci 10, 563–580 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-015-0335-3

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