Theory-Practice Integration and Sustainability

Abstract

According to Collin and Tynjälä (2003), the integration of theory and practice has been recognized as one of the key questions in the development of professional expertise and vocational competence. The integration of theory and practice supports a holistic view on economic, social, and environmental issues and highlights systemic thinking as well as theory-practice integration (TPI) in the educational context. A comprehensive approach to reach this scope is the Teaching-Research-Practice Nexus as framework for bridging potential gaps in education, that is, research and practice and teaching and practice, but also their interrelation with policy. TPI addresses sustainability in its whole dimension and is, as such, relevant for all SDGs. The global aim is anchoring sustainability in all dimensions of daily life as well as on all educational levels. SDG 4 is about quality education for all, and TPI is a powerful instrument on all educational levels including non-formal educational settings. Feasible tools for TPI implementation are knowledge transfer, the implementation of a knowledge value chain, cause-and-effect analysis, DPSIR analysis and indicator systems, standards and norms, best available technique (BAT), as well as crosscurricular teaching.