Education for Sustainable Development

On successful completion of this unit participants will be able to:

1. Critically assess the contemporary debates about the concept of education for sustainable development within Higher Education practices.
2. Critically evaluate different approaches to embed education for sustainable development in Higher Education practices.
3. Design a curriculum element contributing to embedding education for sustainable development in Higher Education practices.

The unit comprises three taught components:

• First, the unit introduces and explains the concept of sustainable development and its implications for Higher Education.  Contemporary debates regarding sustainable development in the Higher Education context are critically reviewed.
• Second, the unit focuses on critical evaluation of the range of different approaches to embedding education for sustainable development into Higher Education practices. UK and international as well as generic and discipline-specific approaches are covered.
• The third taught element of this unit concentrates on designing specific curriculum elements.  The focus of this part of the unit is on embedding education for sustainable development into different disciplines.

The unit is situated in the context of the university’s Environmental Sustainability Strategy. Linkages between the teaching, research, administrative, outreach, and estate management functions of the university are made throughout the unit.

Face to face

Face to face sessions typically involve interactive taught sessions introducing the topics. Interactive elements may include in-depth small group discussions and/ or reflections.  Face to face sessions are supplemented by self study. Preparatory activities, reading lists, resources and weekly teaching material are available online.

Independent study

Self study by the participants is a central element of this unit because it allows participants to tailor their learning and scholarly research to their own needs. Peer to peer collaboration is also encouraged throughout the unit. Participants are guided and coached, according to their needs, by the tutor.

Assessment

There is one summative assessment in this unit. One formative workshop is designed to assist the students in completing the summative assessment. There are opportunities for peer to peer feedback throughout the unit and in the formative workshop. Tutor feedback on formative and summative activities is provided online, in class, and by one to one meetings.  

There is one summative assessment in this unit. Formative activities are designed to assist the students in completing the summative assessment. There will be opportunities to obtain feedback on formative activities in the class and on summative assessment online and by one to one meetings.

Formative

Formative assessment takes two forms. First, formative feedback will be provided on class quizzes, discussions and practical activities. Second, a tutorial with the unit tutor will provide guidance and support related to the summative assessment.

Summative

The summative assessment for this unit comprises an individual presentation.  The presentation will last fifteen minutes and will be followed by ten minutes of questions from a panel of tutors and peers.   The participants will present a curriculum element demonstrating how they would embed Education for Sustainable Development in their current teaching practice. This should be critically discussed in relation to current debates about and approaches to embedding Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education curricula.