Teaching Inter- and Transdisciplinary Methods Competencies
In June 2025, Subproject 4 undertook a three-day excursion to the Copernicus Institute for Sustainable Development, part of the University of Utrecht, to gain new perspectives on digital teaching practices and methodological training. With its strong focus on sustainability — similar to Leuphana — the Copernicus Institute provided an inspiring setting for exchange on how to address complex societal challenges using diverse methodological approaches.
During the visit, the team engaged in in-depth discussions with students, lecturers, and administrative staff about current challenges and innovative solutions in teaching sustainability. A key topic was the exploration of potential collaboration around the Sustainability Methods Wiki, an integrative and reflective platform designed to support researchers in developing methodological skills. The Wiki, launched in 2018, now hosts over 300 entries across various fields such as statistics, ethnography, GIS, and ecology, offering both practical guidance and critical reflections on the use of methods in sustainability research.
From Exchange to Action: Enhancing Teaching and Methodological Education
The exchange with Utrecht partners yielded valuable insights on advancing teaching quality, particularly regarding flipped classroom formats and inter- and transdisciplinary learning environments. The discussions particularly highlighted the need to navigate the tension between competition and cooperation among institutions, building solidarity among programs, and adapting teaching to evolving student narratives and needs.
Looking ahead, the team will implement feedback and best practices from the Copernicus Institute to further enhance the Wiki’s content and visibility, and to strengthen methodological education at Leuphana. This collaboration opens up promising opportunities for co-developing resources and joint initiatives that support the next generation of students and teachers.
