“Not crafting things just for the sake of the joy of making”

Sustainable craft systems model as a pedagogical tool in craft education

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7577/TechneA.6336

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore how a sustainable craft systems model functions as pedagogical tool in education for sustainability through crafts. The theoretical framework for this study formulates on education for sustainability, sustainable crafts and education for sustainability through crafts. This educational design research applies a multilayered systems thinking approach to connect theory in practice and practice in theory. The intervention takes place in a workshop in craft teacher education context in higher education. The data consisted of the participating students’ (N=33) learning assignments and audio recorded group discussions (N=4). The data was analysed with inductive and deductive content analysis. The results highlight that a systems model of sustainable craft offer a visual and conceptual tool which, together with explorative and reflective learning tasks, open and concretize students’ viewpoints on sustai­nabi­lity in crafts and help students conceptualize abstract and complex concepts. The intervention also enabled students’ future visioning related to future work life. The results encourage to utilize theoretical basis for reflection of craft practices in education to support discussion and implementation of sustainability issues in practice to enhance education for sustainability in higher education.

Keywords: Sustainable craft, sustainable craft systems model, education for sustainability, higher education, craft teacher education.

Author Biographies

Niina Väänänen, University of Eastern Finland

(PhD) is a University Lecturer at the University of Eastern Finland. Her research has focussed on sustainable crafts from various viewpoints in different crafting contexts, including professional and hobby crafting, as well as craft education.

 

Sirpa Kokko, University of Eastern Finland

(PhD) is a Professor of Craft Science at the University of Eastern Finland. She has researched crafts from multiple viewpoints, especially craft pedagogy, crafts traditions, and craft culture. Additionally, she is involved in developing craft science and research both on a domestic and international level.

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Published

2026-06-12 — Updated on 2026-06-12

How to Cite

Väänänen, N., & Kokko, S. (2026). “Not crafting things just for the sake of the joy of making”: Sustainable craft systems model as a pedagogical tool in craft education. Techne Series - Research in Sloyd Education and Craft Science A, 33(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.7577/TechneA.6336

Issue

Vol. 33 No. 1 (2026): Techne series

Section

Artikler

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Copyright (c) 2026 Niina Väänänen, Sirpa Kokko

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