The Importance of Virtual Debates in Intercultural Learning About Sustainability: The Case of Nuclear Spent Fuel Reprocessing in France vs. the United States
Chapter
Author(s) / editor(s):
Cynthia Boyer
,
Kelly A. Tzoumis
Year: 2025
Language(s): English
Abstract:
When learning about sustainability, one of the oldest—but often overlooked—pedagogies in post-secondary institutions is the role of debates. Often this tool may be included in extracurricular activities or clubs that focus on competitions separate from the classroom. However, when debates are included inside a course, coupled with a virtual exchange experience between global students at the post-secondary education level, students can sharpen critical-thinking skills, practice intercultural communication and skill building, and learn the importance of civic discourse on polarizing environmental sustainability issues like dealing with nuclear waste. This chapter examines feedback on two courses that explored nuclear fuel reprocessing for energy production and waste reduction for disposal. Students were from the US and France. The findings show that the use of virtual debates enhances learning. It additionally improves nascent intercultural interactions on this important discussion about the reprocessing of nuclear fuel for energy, a topic that has been increasingly debated as the global community considers transitioning away from fossil fuels.
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-76418-9_10
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