Ulrike Gelbmann’s scientific contributions

Interdisciplinary Practical Trainings (IPs) as a service-learning approach link higher education and the public to foster education for sustainability in both groups. In IPs, students work on a specific Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)-related topic and acquire knowledge and skills for it. They also engage in devising methods of addressing the public to raise their sustainability awareness. In this chapter, we first explore which educational concepts allow for linking curricular activities and public awareness to generate knowledge, support reflection, and trigger appropriate action. Secondly, we investigate the contribution of IPs to raising public awareness of sustainable development. Thirdly, we demonstrate the importance of an inter- and transdisciplinary approach to tackle real world problems in an SDGs context. As a method, we use a qualitative content analysis of material gathered during three IPs in the master's programme “Global Studies” at the University of Graz. IPs prove to be a fruitful addition to higher education programs and a useful tool to foster education for sustainability.