Powerful learning at SEA: Connecting to complexity and systemic design

Abstract

The Sea Education Association (SEA) has an international reputation for creating powerful learning experiences in semester-long programs that involve conducting scientific research while sailing tall ships. How, why and to what extent these experiences occur were studied through interviews, extant data analysis and participant observation of the SEA Semester program Marine Biodiversity and Conservation. Consistent with past studies of powerful learning, certain themes emerged, for example, authenticity, openness, relationships with others and intense engagement, while the outcomes were highly individual. Greater insight was afforded by connecting themes and the relationships among them to constructivism and complexity, and a promising direction emerged in connecting to systemic design.