Showing papers in "International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education in 2007"
TL;DR: In this paper, an explorative, qualitative study based on focus groups was designed using different groups from formal and informal learning settings, and the implications for both formal and formal learning settings of new ways of developing key competencies within higher education.
Abstract: – To date, little attention has been given to the circumstances in which the process of developing key competencies for sustainable development may take place. The purpose of this paper is to consider, the possibilities both of formal and informal learning and their relationship to competence development within higher education., – An explorative, qualitative study based on focus groups was designed using different groups from formal and informal learning settings., – The development of key competencies is based both on cognitive and non‐cognitive dispositions and asks for multiple contexts. Through combining formal and informal learning settings within higher education – as part of a new learning culture – a variety of contexts can be given and competence development can be enhanced., – While aspects of both formal and informal learning settings could be identified, the interdependencies between them remain elusive., – Based on the findings, some main aspects for acquiring competencies can be pointed out that may be crucial in higher education settings., – The paper analyses the implications for both formal and informal learning settings of new ways of developing key competencies within higher education. Particular attention is given to interdisciplinarity and students' self‐responsibility.
839 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, an online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore University of Plymouth students' perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, sustainable development and related concepts and issues and found that a majority of student respondents think sustainability is a good thing.
Abstract: Purpose – An online questionnaire survey was conducted to explore University of Plymouth students' perceptions and understandings of, and attitudes towards, sustainable development and related concepts and issues. In general, student perceptions of sustainable development have been under‐researched. This research sought to go some way towards filling the gap by providing insights for those working in the field of education for sustainable development (ESD) in higher education.Design/methodology/approach – The survey was administrated in autumn 2005 by the Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Plymouth. The closed‐category statements were analyzed in terms of frequencies and percentages. A comprehensive set of cross tabulations and χ2 tests were also conducted using SPSS. Responses to open‐ended questions were coded and categorized according to emerging themes.Findings – Key findings include, first, that a majority of student respondents think sustainability is “a good thing” their positive r...
463 citations
TL;DR: Assessment of how different resolutions of socio‐technical feedback, combined with incentives, encourage students to conserve resources shows that information feedback can stimulate resource conservation.
Abstract: Purpose – In residential buildings, personal choices influence electricity and water consumption. Prior studies indicate that information feedback can stimulate resource conservation. College dormitories provide an excellent venue for controlled study of the effects of feedback. The goal of this study is to assess how different resolutions of socio‐technical feedback, combined with incentives, encourage students to conserve resources.Design/methodology/approach – An automated data monitoring system was developed that provided dormitory residents with real‐time web‐based feedback on energy and water use in two “high resolution” dormitories. In contrast, utility meters were manually read for 20 “low‐resolution” dormitories, and data were provided to residents once per week. For both groups, resource use was monitored during a baseline period and during a two week “dorm energy competition” during which feedback, education and conservation incentives were provided.Findings – Overall, the introduction of feedb...
447 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explore the barriers and motivations to the construction of green buildings at the University of Waterloo (UW) by documenting and analysing the UW building process, and develop a set of key ingredients for successful green building projects as a basis from which to evaluate UW's current practices.
Abstract: Purpose – To explore the barriers and motivations to the construction of green buildings at the University of Waterloo (UW) by documenting and analysing the UW building process.Design/methodology/approach – The authors conducted 13 semi‐structured in‐depth interviews with key UW individuals as well as analyzing numerous internal reports in order to document UW's building process. Based on the literature, a set of key ingredients for successful green building projects is developed as a basis from which to evaluate UW's current practices.Findings – Based on the four key ingredients needs for successful green building projects at Institutions of Higher Education (IHE), UW was found to have weaknesses in all four areas including: a lack internal leadership amongst stakeholders with decision‐making power, a lack of quantifiable sustainability targets, an operational structure that does not reward building designs with lower energy costs, and lack of communication between professional designers, facilities mana...
150 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case study of RMIT University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to assess the impact and value of non‐binding agreements or declarations in achieving sustainability in universities.Design/methodology/approach – A case study of Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) University is presented, analysing the reasons for lack of progress towards sustainability and evaluating best ways forward. Using a timeline and analysis of historical records for the 12 years since RMIT first engaged in the sustainability agenda, major trends in the process of implementing policies are identified. Secondly, 15 semi‐structured interviews with university leaders and key sustainability stakeholders from across the university are analysed to provide insight into how and why the university has failed to achieve sustainability.Findings – New implications for successfully achieving sustainability arise from these findings. Accountability is a key issue, as RMIT appears to reap benefits from being signatory to declarations without achieving genuine progress. To e...
118 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors outline the particular character of the research and development project "Sustainable University - Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits" which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to outline the particular character of the research and development project “Sustainable University – Sustainable development in the Context of University Remits” which lies both in its integrative perspective on universities and the attempt to transfer its findings onto other higher education institutions.Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the testing and further development of transdisciplinary research methods (transformative approach, scenario development) for the purpose of both exploring and testing potentials/capabilities for sustainable development of a single institution (case study: University of Luneburg, Germany) against the backdrop of sustainability concept; and making this kind of development transferable to other universities. The paper offers additional reinforcement of strategic scope/effectiveness by means of reference to findings of higher education research (e.g. relevance of neo‐institutionalism)Findings – There is empirical evide...
114 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a case illustrates how experiential learning offers an educational experience that most effectively connects the academic with the practice, fosters an effective interdisciplinary curriculum, links students to work experience and job opportunities, and engages and empowers students.
Abstract: Purpose – The primary purpose of this paper is to provide a concrete example of how experiential learning approaches (from internships in global policy institutes to visiting communities in rural Amazonia to meeting with officials from inter‐governmental organizations) can be implemented in order to most effectively meet specific educational goals in international sustainability studies.Design/methodology/approach – Using four key educational goals as the framework for discussion, the author presents a multi‐dimensional international experiential program at American University as an example of how non‐traditional educational approaches can be used to supplement the traditional lecture‐based format.Findings – The case illustrates how experiential learning offers an educational experience that most effectively: connects the academic with the practice, fosters an effective interdisciplinary curriculum, links students to work experience and job opportunities, and engages and empowers students.Research limitat...
105 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a method of analysis of a student's sustainability comprehension, based on cognitive maps, has been developed, where students are asked to write and connect by arrows all the terms that they associate to the concept of sustainable development, and the assessment of the aforementioned cognitive maps is based on an approach via semantic category.
Abstract: Purpose – Owing to its complexity, sustainable development (SD) cannot be simply integrated as a supplementary course within the engineer's curricula. The first aim of this paper is to focus on how to reflect pedagogically this complexity. After dealing with these questions, the paper aims to present a tool that can evaluate the student's understanding of SD concepts.Design/methodology/approach – A method of analysis of a student's sustainability's comprehension, based on cognitive maps, has been developed. The students are asked to write and connect by arrows all the terms that they associate to the concept of SD. The assessment of the aforementioned cognitive maps is based on an approach via semantic category.Findings – This study shows that the students' perception of SD before the training seems mainly focalised on environmental and economical aspects. After the SD course, an increase of the number of words quoted is noted for each category (social and cultural aspects; stakeholders, principles of SD ...
87 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors analyze the preparation of a sustainability report and a large-scale energy-saving campaign with regards to their role for organizational learning (OL) along the lines of a theoretical framework of OL.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze the preparation of a sustainability report and a large‐scale energy‐saving campaign with regards to their role for organizational learning (OL). Similar processes indicating OL were observed during the implementation of both projects. Along the lines of a theoretical framework of OL these processes will be discussed. Potential of institutional transformation regarding sustainable development is indicated.Design/methodology/approach – Following calls for “unified theory” on OL which can be used for empirical research, an integrative perspective has been proposed. Based on this perspective, two projects are discussed with respect to five dimensions in the process of OL: actors and media as communicative characteristics and triggers, factors as well as results as information processing characteristics.Findings – The results show the driving role of making data available to the public (transparency as incentive for organizational change) and the need to change...
78 citations
TL;DR: The Luneburg Sustainable University Project (the Project) as mentioned in this paper was assessed in a non-European international context and compared to selected scholarly and practice-oriented North American sustainability in higher education (SHE) methods.
Abstract: Purpose – To assess the Luneburg Sustainable University Project (the Project) in a non‐European international context; to relate the project scholarly approach to selected scholarly and practice‐oriented North American sustainability in higher education (SHE) methods; to analyze project innovations against North American initiatives.Design/methodology/approach – Benchmarking indicators were developed inductively in four SHE areas – governance/administration, curriculum/student opportunities, research/scholarship, and operations – via thematic content analysis of 15 descriptions of USA and Canadian universities active in SHE. Data were triangulated with data from the four Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Campus Sustainability Leaders 2006.Findings – The assessment against selected North American peers suggests that the project is unique in its scholarly approach to and scientific foundation of sustainability in higher education. The transdisciplinary transformative case...
70 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examine the results of a Delphi exercise used at the Halifax Consultation in which 35 experts representing 17 countries gathered to develop research priorities for the emerging field of higher education for sustainability (HES).
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the results of a Delphi exercise used at the Halifax Consultation in which 35 experts representing 17 countries gathered to develop research priorities for the emerging field of higher education for sustainability (HES).Design/methodology/approach – The Delphi technique was used to elicit the opinions of a group of experts in order to achieve a consensus position on a research priority list through a series of questionnaires interspersed with controlled feedback.Findings – The final stages of the Delphi exercise revealed 19 research theme areas that were ranked by the group to develop a final priority list.Research limitations/implications – The results from each round of the Delphi give an interesting perspective on experts conceptualizations of what constitutes important research in the field. Further, the final results can be used to develop research programs and projects in the future.Practical implications – Reflections on the use of the Delphi in dev...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide a menu of instruction methods for educators to increase engagement in sustainable practices and to assist those increasing the understanding of education for sustainable development, to the power of two-EfSD2 through research and teaching.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a menu of instruction methods for educators to increase engagement in sustainable practices. The paper also aims to assist those increasing the understanding of education for sustainable development, to the power of two‐EfSD2, through research and teaching.Design/methodology/approach – This paper provides a descriptive and analytical approach to the field of education for sustainable development. It includes a review of the relevant literature on stewardship and sustainable practices.Findings – The paper provides a succinct summary of gaps to and remedies for sustainable development. It offers a comprehensive explanation of eight distinct approaches to education for sustainable development.Practical implications – The application of EfSD2 methods described in this paper have been found to increase productive results through enabling learners to grapple with and create solutions for real life sustainability problems. The paper proposes a more thorough testi...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors point out the advantage of applying theoretical frameworks and related research instruments for an adequate sustainability communication management on campus and highlight the normative constraints and challenges (participation) that differentiate sustainability communication from public relations.
Abstract: Purpose – Sustainability communication is evolving as a new interdisciplinary field of research and professional practice. The purpose of this paper is to point out the advantage of applying theoretical frameworks and related research instruments for an adequate sustainability communication management on campus. It also aims to highlight the normative constraints and challenges (participation) that differentiate sustainability communication from public relations.Design/methodology/approach – An interdisciplinary theoretical framework and empirical studies (quantitative/qualitative; audience research) were used for the design of a context‐sensitive sustainability communication management concept for the University of Luneburg‐Findings – Empirical data clearly showed that disciplinary cultures (including their gender specificity) are highly relevant for sustainability attitudes. Continuous visibility of sustainability efforts on campus is critical for people's attitudes and engagement. Campus community memb...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors aim to assess the environmental literacy requirement (ELR) at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 semesters, and find that although a majority of faculty (87 percent) was aware of the ELR, most students (68 percent) did not.
Abstract: Purpose – Few US universities choose an environmental literacy requirement (ELR) as a method to increase student environmental literacy. Even fewer universities have evaluated their ELRs. The paper aims to assess the ELR at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Fall 2005 and Spring 2006 semesters.Design/methodology/approach – A total of 7,268 of the 13,740 students (53 percent) currently taking an ELR course and the 86 of 100 faculty teaching ELR courses were surveyed with a voluntary questionnaire on their awareness, support, and satisfaction for the requirement. The assessment involved 58 courses with 120 sections.Findings – Although a majority of faculty (87 percent) was aware of the ELR, a majority of students (68 percent) was not. In spite of their awareness, most faculty (81 percent) did not know the specifics of the two ELR criteria. Both a majority of faculty (89 percent) and students (84 percent) supported the idea of an ELR. The ELR increased student knowledge (76 percent) and concern (65 percent) ...
TL;DR: In this article, an initiative to provide learners on "career-based" programmes with opportunities to reflect upon their values within the context of sustainability is presented. But the authors focus on the use of NLP as a tool to elicit and reflect upon core values and to relate these to key sustainability issues.
Abstract: Purpose – This paper aims to analyse an initiative to provide learners on “career‐based” programmes with opportunities to reflect upon their values within the context of sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – An international literature review relating values and behaviour to the sustainability agenda led to the development of “sustainability training” workshop activities for construction students at the University of Plymouth. The activities, drawing on good practice from a range of education for sustainability initiatives and the behavioral discipline Neuro Linguistic Programming, enable participants to elicit and reflect upon their core values and to relate these to key sustainability issues. Following multiple pilots the workshops were offered as voluntary field trials to students, their effectiveness being measured through structured feedback.Findings – The feedback returns demonstrate the popularity of the enquiry‐based learning techniques utilized and the effectiveness of the individual activ...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors focus on how two rural-based universities in South Africa can contribute towards sustainable development especially in their immediate rural communities and address the following questions: what conditions or policy frameworks exist that can engender a sustainable development trajectory? How can ruralbased universities reconstitute themselves so they can become effective agents for sustainable rural development?
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on how two rural‐based universities in South Africa can contribute towards sustainable development especially in their immediate rural communities It addresses the following questions: what conditions or policy frameworks exist that can engender a sustainable development trajectory? How can rural‐based universities reconstitute themselves so they can become effective agents for sustainable rural development? Historically, because of apartheid policies, these and other black universities were on the margins of the knowledge production process and have not effectively engaged in real development activities that would meaningfully improve the livelihoods of rural dwellers The research identified policy and legislative instruments and strategies that can promote a dynamic interaction with other institutions thus empowering and promoting sustainability The aim of the paper is to raise awareness about existing possibilities at the disposal of these institutions
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a mathematical model that can be used as an educational tool to reflect the philosophical aspects of sustainability in order to enhance learning in sustainability, and the model fulfils the need of providing an original model upon which educators may lean to.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model that can be used as an educational tool to reflect the philosophical aspects of sustainability.Design/methodology/approach – This is a descriptive paper.Findings – Everyone carries a sustainability deficit. Therefore, opportunities to reduce this deficit abound. Education is an excellent vehicle to achieve sustainability.Practical implications – Helping individuals with extremely high sustainability deficit to make minimum improvements is more beneficial than a further reduction of the “deficit” by those who have it already low. Further action is certainly encouraged, especially to quantify the sustainability index.Originality/value – The paper fulfils the need of providing an original model upon which educators may lean to, in order to enhance learning in sustainability.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigate issues and concerns associated with sustainable development in Italy for different stakeholders, with a focus on the role of education, and investigate what actions are needed to implement it.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate issues and concerns associated with sustainable development (SD) in Italy for different stakeholders, with a focus on the role of education. Cognitive maps for 49 individuals living in Italy have been developed and their differences analyzed and discussed with the aim of designing a seminar to foster mental and natural ecology and create awareness for SD ethics and values.Design/methodology/approach – Cognitive maps are used to delve into the concept of SD in Italy and to investigate what actions are needed to implement it. Respondents were asked separately to talk about their idea of SD.Findings – The 49 interviews showed that all the actors consider fundamental the role of education, culture and way of thinking for the implementation of SD. An appropriate seminar has been designed as an educational process that completes the formal knowledge provided at school.Practical implications – Actions for future actions are indicated, i.e. to undertake the de...
TL;DR: Aspects of sustainability: an international perspective as mentioned in this paper is a new Master's-level subject designed for postgraduate students from diverse programs (from science-based to sociology-based).
Abstract: Purpose – To describe the development and structure of a new Master's‐level subject entitled “Aspects of sustainability: an international perspective” as a potential model, adoptable by other tertiary‐level educators.Design/methodology/approach – This paper describes the evolution and re‐shaping of a subject designed for postgraduate students from diverse programmes (from science‐based to sociology‐based). It was re‐designed in 2004, in part to support the co‐introduction by Lincoln University of two new, globally innovative Masters degrees, but also as a contribution to the Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (DESD, 2005‐2014). The two new degrees are taught and awarded jointly by Lincoln University and a partner European University, and thus are based on unique Northern‐Southern hemisphere linkages. We describe the subject content (including its major assignment), and its evaluations by students.Findings – A successful subject has been developed, but it required a step change in its structur...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a way of teaching industrial ecology (IE) and some tools that may help for the IE teaching, and the development of lectures, practical lessons and projects on real industrial ecosystems are described.
Abstract: Purpose – To describe a way of teaching industrial ecology (IE) and to show some tools that may help for the IE teaching.Design/methodology/approach – In the paper, the development of lectures, practical lessons and projects on real industrial ecosystems are described. Also the teaching materials used are described.Findings – The presented methodology for teaching IE has been a good means for the understanding of the IE concept. Some of the educational tools presented have helped the students to increase their awareness of the distance between IE and the real industrial field, discover that there are a lot of by‐product exchange possibilities between industries, to develop their creativity, to connect the theory to practice in the industrial systems and have encouraged them to try to put the IE ideas into practice. This methodology has been useful for either small or big groups and for people with either the same or very different backgrounds. And it has been observed that the quality of the work is enhan...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that by altering key elements of human landscapes in strategic places, such as campus landscapes, we can help shift worldviews to foster real sustainability, and also raise a set of questions based on popular perceptions and some challenges based on the broad literature.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate that campus and urban landscaping has important connections to biodiversity conservation, perceptions of natural heritage, sense‐of‐place, ecological literacy and the role of campus landscapes in the larger community. It also aims to show how campus landscapes express values and perform as a teaching, research and outreach resource.Design/methodology/approach – The paper was written as a literature review applied to a case study. Drawing on E.O. Wilson's idea that society must assign the same value to natural heritage as it does cultural heritage to successfully safeguard biodiversity for the long haul, the paper argues that by altering key elements of human landscapes in strategic places – campus landscapes in this case – to reflect a deep appreciation of natural heritage, we can help shift worldviews to foster real sustainability. It also raises a set of questions based on popular perceptions and some challenges based on the broad literature, then sho...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze scientific investigations and pedagogical experiences in order to develop the model for the formation of creative activity of artists and visual art teachers in the context of sustainable development.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the stages in the development of creative activity considering the distinctive features of all stages and the modes of dynamics of the development of a creative person.Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses scientific investigations and pedagogical experiences in order to develop the model for the formation of creative activity of artists‐visual art teachers in the context of sustainable development.Findings – The investigations of scientific literature on pedagogy, psychology, philosophy, as well as the analysis of pedagogical practice allow us to recognize that the formation of creative activity is comprised of several stages. These stages are closely connected with a creative process and depend on a person's artistic talents and abilities.Practical implications – The development of creative activity is a very complicated process that takes place over whole period of life and depends on social, material and mental factors. Each personality g...
TL;DR: In this paper, the main obstacles of these programs including the budget limitation for implementation of main activities related to sustainable development and difficulties in official procedure for the change of educational system is also explained.
Abstract: Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explain the strategies and activities of a main technical University in Iran (Amirkabir University of Technology (AUT)) toward sustainable development goals.Design/methodology/approach – In this paper, three main strategies of AUT to achieve sustainable developments goals in engineering education are explained. In addition, the main obstacles of these programs including the budget limitation for implementation of main activities related to sustainable development and difficulties in official procedure for the change of educational system is also explained.Findings – The study of strategies and activities of a university can provide useful information for other universities (especially in developing countries) that like to promote their activities toward sustainable development goals. According to the final results, international education of engineering students and teachers, especially those who are living in developing countries, have an important role in promoting ...
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored the factors that affect decision-making around the disposal of these crops and suggested how universities might include food crop production into campus sustainability assessments, which reflected a sustainability ethic regarding the higher use of the food.
Abstract: Purpose – Research at agricultural universities often generates food crops that are edible by‐products of the research process. The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that affect decision‐making around the disposal of these crops. Understanding decision‐making suggests how universities might include food crop production into campus sustainability assessments.Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative, ethnographic approach is used as, little is known about decision‐making on edible crops at universities; decision‐making was expected to be highly location‐specific and complex. In‐depth interviews with operations staff and participant observation were used.Findings – Decision‐making is decentralized and often reflects the values of individual staff regarding the value of the food. Staff use an informal cost‐benefit analysis that reflects the economic, social, environmental trade‐offs of their perceived disposal options. Many decisions reflect a sustainability ethic regarding the higher use‐val...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors establish the need for key universities to lead society to a sustainable future, and propose an emergent global sustainability network of multi-national consortia of universities and non-institutional partners.
Abstract: Purpose – To build awareness of an emergent global network of sustainability consortia, the network's Sustainability for the Americas (SFTA) regional cluster, its pilot US‐Brazil Sustainability Consortium (USBSC), its subsequent North American Sustainability, Housing and Community Consortium (NASHCC), the process through which these consortia are emerging and evolving to sustained implementation, planned parallel academic and project funding tracks, and models, tools and techniques used for knowledge transfer. To build awareness of an emergent global sustainability network of multi‐national consortia of universities and non‐institutional partners created to promote sustainability and innovation that connects people, ideas, and resources for a sustainable future; and to invite people interested in multi‐national partnering to enter into a dialogue that can lead to emergence of a multi‐national consortium.Design/methodology/approach – The paper establishes the need for key universities to lead society to a ...
TL;DR: In this article, a document analysis of Natural Resource Extension planning and reporting documents was conducted to determine institutional commitment to sustainability by examining natural resource Extension program inputs, activities, and participation, and 58 in-depth interviews were conducted with natural resource extension personnel in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Oregon State University Extension Service.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this research is to determine institutional commitment to sustainability by examining Natural Resource Extension program inputs, activities, and participation.Design/methodology/approach – A document analysis of Natural Resource Extension planning and reporting documents was conducted to provide contextual and historical data for the study and 58 in‐depth interviews were conducted with Natural Resource Extension personnel in the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Oregon State University Extension Service.Findings – This research moves beyond the familiar teaching and research functions of higher education institutions and focuses on Cooperative Extension, which is the outreach arm of universities. The paper discusses challenges and opportunities associated with implementing sustainability through these outreach education programs. In both Alabama and Oregon, the Agriculture, Home Economics, and 4‐H programs dominate human and economic resource investment in Cooperative E...
TL;DR: The School for Field Studies and Center for Coastal Studies (SFS•CCS) as mentioned in this paper is a success story in sustainable development education, which is based on a unique academic model, which incorporates sustainable development opportunities and challenges faced by the local community into the program curriculum, and research and technical contributions the Center has made towards sustainable development.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present The School for Field Studies‐Center for Coastal Studies (SFS‐CCS) as a success story in sustainable development education. This success is based on a unique academic model, which incorporates sustainable development opportunities and challenges faced by the local community into the program curriculum, and research and technical contributions the Center has made towards sustainable development.Design/methodology/approach – The academic model includes a five year research plan, research projects, case studies and coursework, as well as community service and outreach activities – all of which are geared towards promoting ecosystem health and wise resource utilization of Magdalena Bay, in Baja California Sur, Mexico.Findings – Throughout the program, students work with clients/stakeholders in a professional setting, acting as collaborators, consultants, and participants in field research and problem solving. The community benefits through increased capacity fo...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors introduce the hypothesis that it is fruitful to study new areas within research for sustainability, through experimental education courses, that are based on international and multilateral (transcultural) learning processes.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the hypothesis that it is fruitful to study new areas within research for sustainability, through experimental education courses, that are based on international and multilateral (transcultural) learning processes.Design/methodology/approach – This way of introducing education into open research issues is presented throughout the experiences and the results of the DECOS campus network (Design in Emerging COntexts for Sustainability). This is an informal expert network on higher design education which involves university campuses from emerging and industrialized countries. The learning process established among those universities has been yearly assessed by the didactic observatory of the Politecnico di Milano University, considering also the feedbacks of the various involved professors.Findings – The paper presents both the opportunities of such learning processes and the results actually achieved (designed) by the students, i.e. the students' sustainabl...
TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe the experience of the Agriculture Engineering School of Barcelona (ESAB), where undergraduate students were involved in field research experiments on organic waste use in agricultural systems.
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the experience of the Agriculture Engineering School of Barcelona (ESAB), where undergraduate students were involved in field research experiments on organic waste use in agricultural systems.Design/methodology/approach – The paper outlines how the formation of professionals oriented to work for OWM companies has been successfully promoted.Findings – Agricultural systems can assimilate self‐produced organic wastes (OW) and others from different sources. Their management for crop production can generate enormous economic and environmental benefits which can contribute to sustainable development. The implementation of an integrated strategy for OW treatment (OWT) and management (OWM) must be adapted to the characteristics of the specific geographical region and must consider the interrelations among diverse subjects such as: soil science, fertilizer management, plant production, animal husbandry, farm machinery, climate and culture.Practical implications – ...