In and Out of Doors: A Study in Ecological Design Pedagogy

This thesis focuses on the use of Gnosis centred learning inside and out of the post-secondary design classroom using pedagogical prompts and prompt building as a guiding research method. Discussed are the merits of Gnosis, an ancient term which involves learning in the spiritual and personal realm and offering it as a chance to rebalance modern design education. The author uses examples of personal and professional reflection and evidence to posture prompts as a tool to "threshold" students into a worldview which allows them to understand nature and design in a more relational manner. It is through this relational lense that students may come to better understand their roles and responsibilities to designing for a climate crisis.