Finnish Institute for Educational Research’s Innovative Learning Environments Team Contributes to SANORD Conference in Norway
Hamar, Norway – The 15th annual Southern African – Nordic Centre (SANORD) conference took place at the INN University, Hamar campus from September 20-22, 2023, attracting a diverse representation of universities from both the Global North and Global South. The conference centred around the theme "The role of higher education in contributing to just and sustainable futures" underlining the importance of academic collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges.
Guest Professor at the Ä¢¹½Ö±²¥, Finnish Institute for Educational Research, Werner Olivier from Nelson Mandela University along with Kristof Fenyvesi gave a compelling presentation. They delved into the theme "Fostering Student-centred and Needs-based Education via the Integration of Techno-blended STEAM Methodologies in Support of Sustainable Development in South Africa and in Finland." Their session emphasised the integration of innovative pedagogies to enhance education and support sustainable development. Prof. Olivier’s colleague, Carine Steyn, who was hosted for one week by the ILE team as well, contributed to the conference with a presentation introducing further details of the South African-Finnish STEAM collaboration.
Representatives from the Innovative Learning Environments Research (ILE) group, Kristóf Fenyvesi and Orsolya Tuba, showcased their ongoing projects focused on sustainability education, science and social sciences, and social-emotional education themes. These projects, namely the Scrappies, Scissors, and Reimagined initiatives, highlight their dedication to pioneering educational approaches for a more sustainable future. The ILE team joined scholars and researchers from various disciplines to deliberate on the pivotal role of higher education in shaping equitable and sustainable futures.
During the conference, ILE team members engaged with colleagues from the at INN University of Applied Sciences in Hamar. Recognizing synergies between their ongoing projects and the work of the centre, fruitful discussions on potential future collaborations transpired. The envisioned partnerships aim to further amplify efforts in sustainability education and align with global sustainability goals.
In an insightful move towards fostering collaboration, the ILE team actively participated in the SDG9 Special Interest group's initial meeting, spearheaded by the . These special interest groups aspire to nurture North-South-South university collaborations, generating innovative project ideas and sustainable development solutions.
The 15th SANORD conference provided a valuable platform for the Innovative Learning Environments research group to showcase their pioneering projects and explore avenues for impactful collaborations. These engagements signify a promising trajectory for academic partnerships that will contribute significantly to just and sustainable futures on a global scale.
