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Project Code [EPSPG/2023/1380]

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Project title

EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF FORMAL AND INFORMAL LEARNING TO PROMOTE CHANGE TOWARDS A CIRCULAR ECONOMY THROUGH SUSTAINABILITY AND STEM EDUCATION

Primary Funding Agency

Irish Research Council

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

Lead Organisation

Dublin City University

Lead Applicant

Not listed

Project Abstract

To combat climate change, pollution, biodiversity loss, resource limitation and growing inequality, the world is moving towards sustainable practices. As a part of this, Ireland is supporting sustainability enterprises like the Rediscovery Centre, the National Center for the circular economy. The Boiler House building, which hosts the Rediscovery Centre, itself is redesigned as a �3D textbook�, meant to teach about sustainable practices informally through its installations and design. Research suggests that this Informal learning, along with formal classroom learning is said to promote behavioural and attitudinal changes. We wish to study how the blending of informal and formal learning supports education towards the circular economy and sustainability, In the context of Ireland and the Rediscovery Centre. To study this, we use the frameworks of change theory and theory of change, which are used globally to analyse and support change initiatives. In conjunction with the Rediscovery Centre, we wish to investigate the fusion of formal and informal learning to bring about change in Irish society, specifically in young people, towards sustainable and equitable practices. The Rediscovery Centre, with its focus on the circular economy and STEM education, offers a unique setting to investigate such a fusion. This will contribute to the scientific literature on educational change initiatives through sustainability enterprises, and bolster the works of the Irish Government towards sustainability on the global stage.

Grant Approved

�119,620.00

Research Hub

Climate Change

Research Theme

3. Climate Solutions, Transition Management and Opportunities

Start Date

01/09/2023

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2027