Authors: Cerrato S., Balli E.
Cerrato S., Balli E. (2024), The Step Change Navigator, ECSA, Berlin
Setting sail on a sea of knowledge
This section embarks on a journey to explore the Mutual Learning Exercises (MLEs), a crucial component of the Step Change project. These exercises serve as a valuable platform for collaboration, know- ledge exchange, and collective growth among the various citizen science initiatives within the project.
Unveiling the map
The MLEs were conceived as part of a cross-cutting work package focused on mutual learning and training. This work package aimed to achieve several objective.:
Supporting research activities: the MLEs provided valuable guidance and feedback to the research teams engaged in the five citizen science initiatives.
Empowering teams: the exercises aimed to strengthen the capacity of the citizen science initiative teams in two key areas.
Transdisciplinary work: this involves fostering collaboration across different academic disciplines and incorporating diverse perspectives into the research process.
Responsive stakeholder engagement: this emphasises the importance of meaningful engagement with various stakeholders throughout the project, ensuring their voices and needs are heard and addressed.
Fostering synergy: the MLEs aimed to encourage communication and collaboration between the different citizen science initiatives, allowing them to learn from each other’s experiences, share best practices, and identify potential synergies. Additionally, the exercises facilitated knowledge exchange between the project initiatives and the broader citizen science community.
The power of diverse currents
Mutual learning events bring together various stakeholders, including project partners and external experts, creating a powerful synergy. These gatherings foster the exchange of diverse valuable perspectives and expertise. Each participant contributes their unique viewpoint and experiences, enriching the overall understanding of the project and the citizen science field at large. External experts provide specialised knowledge and fresh insights, helping to identify and address potential challenges or blind spots within the project.
More than the sum of its parts
This cross-fertilization of ideas leads to several positive outcomes:
- Enhanced creativity and innovation: the infusion of diverse perspectives stimulates creative thinking and fosters the development of innovative approaches to citizen science initiatives.
- Improved problem-solving: by drawing upon a wider pool of knowledge and expertise, the project becomes better equipped to tackle complex challenges and navigate unforeseen obstacles.
- Increased adaptability: the exchange of experiences allows the citizen science initiatives to learn from one another and adapt their approaches to various contexts and circumstances.
Expanding the horizon
Beyond knowledge exchange, these events also serve as essential networking platforms. This networking fosters:
- Scaling solutions: by connecting various stakeholders, the MLEs create opportunities for collaboration beyond the project’s boundaries, potentially leading to the scaling and replication of successful citizen science approaches.
- Enhanced visibility and credibility: engaging with a broader range of stakeholders increases the project’s visibility and strengthens its credibility, potentially attracting further support and resources.
- Sustainability: building a network of connections increases the potential for long-term sustainability of the project and its outcomes.
In essence, the Mutual Learning Exercises act as catalysts for growth and improvement. By harnessing the power of collective intelligence, these events propel the citizen science initiatives forward in a more informed, inclusive, and impactful manner.
Unforgettable moments and outcomes
This section delves into the outcomes and memorable moments associated with the Mutual Learning Exercises (MLEs) in Step Change. It highlights how these exercises fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing to address common challenges faced by the citizen science initiatives.
Charting solutions together
Following the presentation of various challenges and the solutions implemented by the citizen scien- ce initiatives, external experts shared their own experiences and insights. These experts, equipped with advance preparation on the specific challenges, provided valuable perspectives through practical examples. This facilitated engaging discussions, allowing the citizen science initiatives to:
- Ask questions
- Explore unresolved issues
- Learn from the wider citizen science community.
Documenting the voyage
Following each MLE, the ZSI team, acting as facilitators, compiled a Mutual Learning Report. This re- port served as a valuable record, capturing the following:
Experiences: The report documented the various challenges and experiences shared by the citizen science initiatives.
Tested solutions: It outlined the different approaches implemented by the CSIs to address the identified challenges.
Results: The report summarised the outcomes achieved through the implementation of these solutions.
By clustering these elements by challenge, the report provided a comprehensive overview and facilita- ted future learning and reference.
Documenting the voyage
Following each MLE, the ZSI team, acting as facilitators, compiled a Mutual Learning Report. This re- port served as a valuable record, capturing the following:
Experiences: The report documented the various challenges and experiences shared by the citizen science initiatives.
Tested solutions: It outlined the different approaches implemented by the CSIs to address the identified challenges.
Results: The report summarised the outcomes achieved through the implementation of these solutions.
By clustering these elements by challenge, the report provided a comprehensive overview and facilita- ted future learning and reference.
Unforgettable encounters
An internal evaluation revealed the positive reception of the MLE approach by the Step Change part- ners, despite their initially diverse expectations regarding training and support activities. Here are some excerpts from the evaluation that showcase the value of the MLEs:
“I think that overall, the approach worked very well as it allowed all part- ners to find and reflect on common challenges and coping strategies.”
“I found the mutual learning activities very helpful!”
“I think the Mutual Learning activities are useful because we can di- scuss others’ experiences on the topic (…) and share advice.”
These quotes emphasise the appreciation for the opportunity to:
- Share experiences and learn from others
- Develop collective coping mechanisms for common challenges
- Enhance the overall quality of the Step Change project.
A platform for inspiration
The evaluation also highlighted the inspirational aspects of the MLEs, particularly the participation of external experts.
“(…) the workshops seem to offer (also through the external gue- sts) additional inspiration.”
This cross-pollination of knowledge and experience proved to be a valuable asset in the journey of the citizen science initiatives, propelling them towards more effective and impactful citizen science initiatives.
User Type
- Citizen scientist/civil society organization
- Researcher/research institution
Resource type
- Projects/project examples
Research Field
