Establishing the Office of Phosphorus: Introducing wicked problems in collaborative governance through an active learning exercise

Abstract: Collaborative, team-based research can provide unique educational opportunities for students while supporting faculty research goals. Increasingly, universities are developing programs to allow undergraduates to participate in team-based research on sustainability topics. In this paper, we outline a case study of a collaborative active learning exercise that supported an interdisciplinary project on governance and nutrient management. Students were asked to conduct research on behalf of a fictional “Office of Phosphorus,” which helped illustrate the real challenges that public administrators face when they must collaborate across levels of government or agencies to address sustainability challenges. The exercise also functioned as a diagnostic tool for faculty to identify where students needed more guidance, training, or support. By closely mimicking the experience of open-ended research, the exercise helped calibrate student expectations. Finally, we offer suggestions for how this type of exercise could be used to encourage collaborative research on other, related topics in sustainability.