What are some skills and competencies that ecological art and design educators need to develop?

1 Pedagogical skills

You need to have pedagogical skills that enable you to design and deliver effective learning experiences that are relevant, participatory, and transformative. You need to be able to integrate ecological art and design principles and practices into your curriculum, such as systems thinking, sustainability, diversity, collaboration, and ethics. You also need to be able to use various pedagogical methods and tools, such as experiential learning, project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, storytelling, and digital media, to engage your students in ecological art and design projects.

2 Ecological knowledge

You need to have ecological knowledge that allows you to understand and communicate the scientific, social, and cultural aspects of environmental issues and solutions. You need to be familiar with the concepts and theories of ecology, such as ecosystems, biodiversity, climate change, and resilience. You also need to be aware of the historical and contemporary contexts and perspectives of ecological art and design, such as environmental movements, environmental justice, indigenous knowledge, and ecofeminism.

3 Artistic skills

You need to have artistic skills that enable you to express and inspire ecological awareness and action through various forms and media. You need to be able to create and critique ecological art and design works that are aesthetically, conceptually, and ethically sound. You also need to be able to use and teach various artistic techniques and materials, such as drawing, painting, sculpture, photography, video, installation, performance, and digital art.

4 Interpersonal skills

You need to have interpersonal skills that allow you to communicate and collaborate effectively with diverse audiences and stakeholders. You need to be able to listen and respond empathetically, respectfully, and constructively to different views and values. You also need to be able to facilitate and participate in dialogues, debates, and feedback sessions that are conducive to learning and action.

5 Reflective skills

You need to have reflective skills that help you to evaluate and improve your own practice and performance as an ecological art and design educator. You need to be able to identify and articulate your goals, strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development. You also need to be able to seek and incorporate feedback, evidence, and research into your practice and performance.

6 Adaptive skills

You need to have adaptive skills that enable you to cope and thrive in a dynamic and uncertain environmental context. You need to be able to embrace and respond to change, challenges, and opportunities. You also need to be able to innovate and experiment with new ideas, approaches, and solutions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?