AN EDUCATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR INTEGRATING NATURE-BASED THINKING INTO SUSTAINABILITY-ORIENTED ENGINEERING EDUCATION

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for integrating nature-based thinking into engineering education to address urban sustainability challenges. Drawing on surveys and comparative analyses involving students, educators, and community stakeholders, the research identifies significant deficiencies in awareness, practical application, and interdisciplinary integration of nature-based solutions (NBS). Engineering students demonstrate limited exposure to NBS, lacking both conceptual understanding and hands-on experience, while educators struggle to adapt traditional pedagogies to encompass innovative, experiential learning methods. Moreover, community stakeholders emphasize the need for practical approaches that tackle real-world sustainability challenges. The proposed framework advocates curricular reforms that emphasize field projects, collaborative learning, and continuous feedback mechanisms to bridge the gap between theory and practice. By developing critical competencies and inspiring transformative teaching strategies, this approach prepares future engineers to implement sustainable solutions effectively and contribute to resilient urban development.