Pedagogies of Re-Cognizing Connection

Environmental Research Philosophy or Environmental Ethos?

My intention through my teaching and research into my teaching practices is to re-engage students with their ecological selves, both as a wellness practice and a learning one. The more-than-human is integrated throughout my courses in various ways: through taking the perspective of a “non-human entity” when discussing challenging political land use issues to using a rock to contemplate theory and relationship to the material world. I am currently undertaking a Scholarship of Teaching and Learning research project entitled “Geographies of Gratitude: Investigating the Intersections Between Place-Connection and Gratitude in Students Enrolled in a First-Year Human Geography Course” that engages students with the non-human Earth world through gratitude. I am also designing a course for the TRU Honours College with my colleague in the fine arts department, Twyla Exner, entitled “Exploring Earth Ontologies through Art,” which will engage students in a variety of Earth-based worldviews and have them connect to those worldviews through land-based art practices.