Land One Teaching Team Recognized for Innovation
May 22, 2024 – The core teaching team for Land One, a first-year cohort program at UBC, has won a D2L (Desire 2 Learn) Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning in recognition of their transformative approach to student-centred learning.
Land One launched in 2018 supported by the Faculties of Land and Food Systems (LFS) and Forestry. It accepts approximately 50 students each year, and offers integrated first-year courses in a supportive environment as students adjust to university academics, as well as several opportunities for personal development, such as learning about different worldviews and participating in field trips throughout the year.
“Supported by both Faculties, this interdisciplinary approach demonstrates the program’s commitment to preparing students for contemporary global challenges in land use, food security, climate change, and sustainability,” says Dr. Tomaselli.
“By fostering a holistic understanding and providing practical skills, Land One empowers students to contribute meaningfully to sustainable solutions.”
Central to Land One is the team’s commitment to inclusive pedagogy and decolonizing education, integrating diverse ways of knowing such as Indigenous perspectives and worldviews. Students speak of the transformative impact of this approach, with many expressing a newfound interest and appreciation for Indigenous knowledge.
Through its integrative approach and experiential activities, Land One cultivates students’ sense of responsibility towards their local communities. For example, students’ awareness extends beyond the classroom by participating in a number of field trips and volunteer activities in nearby farms, community gardens, and research forests.
“Land One not only imparts academic knowledge, but also cultivates a sense of global citizenship,” said Dr. Tomaselli. “Our goal with the program is to shape the next generation of learners who can contribute to finding solutions to complex ecological and social challenges.”
The D2L Innovation Award in Teaching and Learning recognizes excellence in collaborative teaching and learning in post-secondary education. It is offered by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE).
Read about all the recipients at the STLHE website: www.stlhe.ca/award_winners/2024-d2l-innovation-award-recipients/