Biocultural learning - beyond ecological knowledge transfer

Abstract

Education sciences research has showed that learning is a complex interaction between individuals and their surrounding world. The simplification of learning complexity has been commonly assumed in local and traditional ecological knowledge (LEK/TEK) research. Based on a modern learning theory, this article describes learning complexity behind the LEK/TEK held by fishers and farmers in Sweden. It leads to the introduction of the concept of biocultural learning that contributes to this field by giving details to this complexity. From a biographic approach, this research combines case studies, in-depth biographical narrative interviews, participant observations and the analysis of personal blogs and family pictures as data collection methods. This combination reveals the interconnection between professional knowledge about nature, identity construction and emotional bonds to nature. This article highlights the value of giving professional status to LEK/TEK and discusses the need to promote and strengthen biocultural learning in different society sectors.

Keywords

professional knowledge; workplace learning; biocultural learning; nature; LEK; TEK research

Published in

Journal of Environmental Planning and Management
2020, Volume: 63, number: 10, pages: 1791-1810

SLU Authors

• Garavito Bermudez, Diana

  • Department of Urban and Rural Development, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

Associated SLU-program

SLU Swedish Biodiversity Centre


Sustainable Development Goals

SDG4 Quality education


UKÄ Subject classification

Learning


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2019.1688651

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/102830