AAEE Learning Circle: Exploring Climate Change through Speculative Drama pedagogy
Event description
Join us for an exciting AAEE Learning Circle that bridges the realms of climate change education and speculative drama pedagogy, inspired by Dr. Thili Wijesinghe's PhD work in both Australia and Sri Lanka. In this immersive exploration, Learning Circle participants will delve into the worldviews of young activists confronting the consequences of a changing planet, as revealed through speculative drama.
Thili will share her research and resources about an innovative pedagogy that empowers young people to express their visions of the future in the context of climate change. Through a blend of speculative fiction, dramatic inquiry, and arts-based research, participants will engage in creative expression and critical reflection on the urgent challenges facing our world.
In this interactive workshops, from constructing speculative scenarios to embodying diverse perspectives through role-playing, participants will develop a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics of climate change and the importance of youth voices in shaping sustainable action. Through collaborative exercises and reflective dialogues, we will explore the transformative potential of speculative drama in fostering empathy, dialogue, and innovative solutions to global challenges.
Join us as we harness the creative energy of speculative drama to inspire action and cultivate a more sustainable future for generations to come.
Dr. Thilinika Wijesinghe is an Educational Designer at James Cook University'. She has over 15 years of diverse experience in education, international relations, marketing, and communications. She earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy focusing on Education from Southern Cross University, where she conducted research on speculative drama's role in understanding children and young people's perspectives on climate change. She also received a Master of Arts in International Relations from Colombo University, Sri Lanka, and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Psychology, and English Literature from Bangalore University, India. Thili has contributed to academic publications exploring topics such as youth digital media practices for climate justice and climate change education, and presented her research at esteemed conferences worldwide.