Goals
TCD’s main goals are:
- To train graduate-level professionals, particularly those from developing countries, to bridge theory and practice and learn across disciplines;
- To promote cross-national, integrative, comparative problem-centered research;
- To strengthen and expand learning and action networks.
Space
Framework
At the heart of TCD is an innovative learning and action platform (see diagram below), where students, faculty and collaborators interact to address multi-scalar and multi-disciplinary challenges. TCD’s approach builds on traditional disciplinary foundations, integrates past and present student experiences, and embraces collaborative learning and action with partners involved in the day-to-day realities of conservation and development. TCD encourages research and training activities developed in close collaboration with host-country partners.
For a more in-depth view of the TCD Program educational approach, please see:
- Kainer, K., M. Schmink, H. Covert, J.R. Stepp, E. Bruna, J. Dain, S. Espinosa, & S. Humphries. 2006. A Graduate Education Framework for Tropical Conservation and Development. Conservation Biology 20(1): 3–13.
- Duchelle, A.E, K. Biedenweg, C. Lucas, A. Virapongse, J. Radachowsky, D. J. Wojcik, M. Londres, W.L. Bartels, D. Alvira and K.A. Kainer. 2009. Graduate students and knowledge exchange with local stakeholders: Possibilities and preparation. Biotropica 41:578–585.
- Kainer, K. A., C. López Binnqüist, J. L. Dain, B. Contreras Jaimes, P. Negreros Castillo, R. Gonzalez Basulto, E. A. Ellis, H. H. Covert, R. L ópez Rodríguez, I. U. H. Gómez, and F. Melchor Contreras. 2019. Leading by listening, learning by doing: modeling democractic approaches to conservation leadership in education. Journal of Environmental Studies and Sciences https://doi.org/10.1007/s13412-019-00542-3
