Hi! My name is Alayna Paolini. I joined UBC’s Educational Studies community in 2024 from the traditional territories of the Erie, Neutral, Huron-Wendat, Haudenosaunee, and Mississaugas (Hamilton, Ontario).
I have a strong interest in human-environment relations, transformative education and environmental justice. I am passionate about learning, and am fiercely dedicated to my research, work and relationships.
I am currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Educational Studies, researching the pedagogies and impacts of transformative sustainability education in/with/for Rob’s Education for Sustainability, Regeneration and Resilience MEd program and K-7 contexts.
What is Transformative Sustainability Education?
Transformative sustainability education — the application of transformative learning theory in sustainability education — emphasizes that we can attain sustainability only when we shift from Western ways of thinking and being (rooted in individualism, humanism and rationalism) toward relational, holistic and ecocentric ways of thinking and being. These ways align with diverse philosophies and theories, such as various Indigenous and Buddhist philosophies, post-humanist theory, and decolonization theory. Ultimately, transformative sustainability education enables students to envision and enact futures where humans and nature harmoniously coexist.
In studying such an approach to sustainability education, I have personally transformed my ways of thinking and being. I now more holistically and systemically understand that/how relationships are everything. I promise to prioritize and honour this sentiment in all my research, professional and personal endeavours.
Being a part of Rob’s lab and the Education for Sustainability, Regeneration and Resilience program has been life-changing. I hope you too consider dabbling in transformative learning!