Design-Based Implementation Research for Exploring the Ocean: A Geographical Perspective

Abstract

This chapter addresses five of the Ocean Literacy Principles from the geographical perspective. An analysis and revision of several current curricula worldwide show a similar conceptual bias on sea and ocean contents. Design-based Implementation Research is the instructional method implemented in this educational proposal. The research design is developed from two methodological approaches, namely, Problem-based Learning and Project-based Learning, which apply several learning strategies, and the use of documentary, analogical, and digital resources. The learning strategies that are implemented along the different stages of both methods are collaborative learning and cooperative learning, marine fieldwork, marine geoability workshop, and spatial and analogical thinking. Main analogical and digital resources include navigation tools and systems (compass, Global Positioning System, etc.) and logs to record oceanographical campaign events (ship’s logbook and fieldwork notebook). The campaign design is meant to be a pilot research for Higher Education Teachers’ Training learners to enhance awareness on ocean literacy concepts and contents. The marine campaign aims at promoting ocean-committed citizenship through fostering knowledge-building and awareness-raising on the role the ocean plays in helping earth ecosystems remain in balance. Thus, Teachers’ Training learners may help boost this ocean awareness-raising in their educational career in the near future.