Swinburne University of Technology: Pioneering Transformative Education in Australia
The Transformative Education for Sustainable Social Impact (TESSI) Institute, is empowering educators around the world to design programs that foster systemic societal change.
The TESSI Institute was created by Khanjan Mehta, Lehigh University’s Vice Provost of Creative Inquiry.
The goal of the global initiative is to create inspiring interdisciplinary programs that build sustainable futures through the integration of learning, research and entrepreneurial engagement.
The program is heading ‘down under’ for the first time this December to be hosted by the Swinburne School of Business, Law & Entrepreneurship.
Professor Nicki Wragg, Dean of the School, is excited to see participants gather from across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.
“I am looking forward to engaging in TESSI Down Under and witnessing first-hand, meaningful collaborations that are impactful and transformational to those who participate and the students who benefit from the developed projects,” Professor Wragg said.
What is Transformative Education?
Transformative education goes beyond sharing content knowledge to create profound personal, social, and cultural shifts in learners.
It empowers individuals to question and challenge existing norms and assumptions, encouraging critical thinking, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.
Students of transformative education become agents of change who are equipped to address complex global challenges and contribute positively to society.
TESSI focuses on hands-on, ‘hearts-on’ workshops that combine the theory and practice of creative inquiry, humanitarian engineering and social entrepreneurship.
Impactful partnerships
Dr Jason Sargent, Lecturer in Information Systems at Swinburne, has been a driving force behind bringing the TESSI Institute to Swinburne after having the opportunity to participate in and mentor project teams at TESSI Philippines.
“For a decade, I have been inspired by Khanjan, particularly his pragmatic way of instilling in his students the three things that matter: impact, impact, impact and how his teams work with, not for, communities”, said Dr Sargent.
“When Khanjan approached me to see if it was possible to bring the TESSI Institute to Australia, I didn’t hesitate.”
“I’m honoured to partner with Dr. Sargent and Swinburne University of Technology to co-convene TESSI Down Under,” said Dr Khanjan Mehta.
“Our collaboration represents a shared vision of empowering educators to drive systemic change and address pressing societal challenges in Australia and beyond.”