Measuring Sustainability Competencies in Transforming A’o, a Multi-faceted, Transdisciplinary Professional Development Experience

Abstract

This project looked at evidence of sustainability competencies in the context of a multi-disciplinary, experiential learning experience called Transforming A’o (teaching, learning) for faculty at Punahou School in Honolulu, Hawaii. Using the conceptual frame of sustainability competencies as defined by Lans et al. (2014), participants completed a self-report survey before and after the learning experience. Focus groups allowed participants to reflect on what made various elements of the training impactful. In addition, 5-month follow-up interviews and artifact analysis provided insight into the connections participants found. Sustainability competencies could be evidenced in surveys and project descriptions. However, participants were less likely to make explicit connections to sustainability in interviews. Recommendations focus on decreasing complexity, creating community, and making connections.