Sustainable Professional Development Focusing on Framing Adjustment—Using Audio-visual Media on the Subject of “Wicked Problems”—

Abstract

In an era of rapid change and unpredictability across social, economic, and environmental domains, the interplay between facts and values, coupled with the oversimplification and polarization of problem framing, poses significant challenges to establishing a shared understanding of complex issues. Developing human resources capable of bridging these divides and formulating tangible solutions is crucial. However, further discourse and empirical investigation are necessary to advance environmental education aimed at cultivating sustainability-oriented professionals. This study employed Visual Problem Appraisal (VPA), an audio-visual educational tool, in a workshop for university students on the subject of “wicked problem” of declining short-necked clam populations in Lake Hamana, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan. The findings revealed that three key factors influence whether complex problems are simplified or framed in a more nuanced manner: the level of abstraction, the range of stakeholders considered, and the identification of actors involved in problem definition and framing processes. This research demonstrates the potential of applying VPA methodology in environmental education to foster the development of sustainability professionals equipped to tackle multifaceted environmental challenges. Further research is needed to validate these findings and refine the approach for broader application in sustainability education.