Associate Professor

Background

Dr. Shane Theunissen is recognized for his innovative, experiential approach to teaching and research. His work focuses on education, philosophy, environmental learning, and cross-cultural engagement, emphasizing relational and community-based ways of knowing.

Shane’s professional path reflects a diverse range of experiences that continue to inform his academic philosophy. Before entering higher education, he worked as a commercial diver, tall-ship captain and sailing instructor, travelling internationally and developing a strong appreciation for experiential learning beyond traditional classrooms.  Further to this, Shane has taught in remote Indigenous communities in northern Ontario, where he developed outdoor and environmental education programs grounded in cultural respect and local knowledge. These experiences shaped his ongoing research interests in Indigenous education, youth development, and equitable educational practices.

Shane is an award-winning teacher who is known for integrating community partnerships, innovative and experiential curricula design, participatory research, and diverse cultural perspectives into his courses.

His scholarly work explores how learning occurs across social, cultural, and environmental contexts. In his favourite article, to date, published in Current: The Journal of Marine Education, Shane examines how reverence and ethical reflection can deepen environmental and ocean education. Through his teaching and research, he continues to advocate for education that fosters critical thinking, cultural understanding, and meaningful connections between people and the natural world.  Shane’s approach to teaching has led him to establish a CREATIVE educational framework.  His work continues to develop and understanding of the CREATIVE framework while promoting its use in any contexts that have been historically dominated by the now dated STEM and STEAM models.

Education

Ph.D. in International Development Studies: Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Thesis Stream Masters of Education (with honours) Queen’s University, Kingston, Ontario.

Bachelor of Education (with honours), Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, Ontario.

B.A. in Development Studies (Distinction, Dean’s honour roll), University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario.

Teaching / Courses

  • CHYS 1120 Essentials of Child and Youth Care Practice
  • CHYS 1130 Theoretical Frameworks in Child and Youth Study
  • CHYS 2211 Research Methods in Child and Youth Study
  • CHYS 3320 Youth Care: Theory and Issues
  • CHYS 3333 Working with Youth in Alternative Education Contexts
  • CHYS 3334 CREATIVE Youth Engagement
  • CHYS 4420 Professional Knowledge and Skills for Youth Care
  • CHYS 4421 Seminar in Child and Youth Research
  • GCYS 6014 Administrative Leadership in Child and Youth Study
  • GCRD 6301 Foundations of Curriculum Studies I
  • GCRD 6334 Classroom Organization and Programming for Learners with Behavioral Challenges

Research Interests

  • Indigenous Education
  • Marginalized Youth
  • Experiential Learning
  • Community Development

Publications

Theunissen, S. & Reddington, S. (Eds.). (2021). The Collected Stories of the Warriors of the Red Road at Sea. Eastern Woodland Publishers.

Reddington, S., Theunissen, S., & MeDrano, J.  (2021). Conditions for success: Indigenous youth reflections on their experiences with Canadian education systems. INYI Journal, 11(1), 1-11.  DOI: https://doi.org/10.25071/1929-8471.73

Select Presentations

Theunissen, S. (2013). Ubuntugogy: An African Centred Approach to Teaching and Learning. Internationalizing Teaching and Learning in a Global Context. Halifax: Dalhousie University.

Theunissen, S. (2012). The Teachers Must Become the Learners and the Learners Must Become the Teachers. Creative Teaching and learning. Halifax: Dalhousie University.

Theunissen, S. (2008). Active Learning Strategies: Documenting Experience Through Reflective Writing. Association of Atlantic Universities Teaching Showcase. Saint John, New Brunswick: University of New Brunswick.

Theunissen, S. (2008). Reflective Action as an Assessment Strategy. Assessment and Evaluation Conference. Halifax: Dalhousie University.

Theunissen, S. (2006). Implementing Outdoor and Cultural Studies Through a Multi-Disciplinary Approach. Great Moon Gathering. Attawapiskat, James Bay Coast.