Transcript Spaces, Networks and Acronyms

Integrating Campus Management in
Education for Sustainability
Dr Robert Dyball
Human Ecology Program, Fenner School
Overview
Education for Sustainability (EfS) at ANU
Linking theory to practice
Everyday life as a focus of EfS
Benefits of linking campus to curriculum
International partnerships
ANU and Education for
Sustainability
Human Ecology Program founded in
1973 to study “the interactions
between groups of humans and their
environments, the processes that
occur in the course of that interaction,
and the consequences” taking a
holistic and inter-disciplinary
approach
Boyden et al, 1981 c 1980
“We use the word “comprehensive” to
describe work which has this
objective” (Boyden et al, 1981)
Hong Kong Project team c 1980
Some key learning outcomes
To help students understand complex human-environment
systems and their problems (“wicked problems”)
To make learning personally meaningful to students in their
everyday lives and to focus on solutions to problems
To empower students to understand not just the problems
concerning us today but those problems that they will
confront in the future
To encourage critical reflection on the role of values and
choices, including the possibility of alternate ways of living
Throughout, to do this by through research led learning
Going Outside: Experiencing the Australian High Country
As “problem
situations”
Bringing the Outside In - Everyday Wicked
Problems
• Environment is not
something ‘out there’ –
we are always embedded
in ecosystems
• Ecosystems don’t have
problems – we do
• The ‘real world’ is not
where you go after you
finish study
• Solving problems is not
something ‘they’ should
do – rather reflect on own
“normal” behaviour and
values
• Everyday lifeworld is a
worthy case study of
wicked problems and
their solutions
• We can do better –
student active
engagement is key
The Sapporo Declaration (2008)
8. The university campus as an
experimental model.
Universities can provide venues in
which to test new sustainability-relevant
knowledge in a social context.
By serving as test models for society at
large, universities help foster in their
students the attitudes and skills
necessary to achieve a sustainable
society in the future. Thus the
sustainable campus can serve as both
an experiment in progress and an ideal
http://g8u-summit.jp/english/index.html tool for educating future generations.
ANUgreen Facilities and Services-run integrated campus
sustainability program designed to achieve environmental goals
through behavioural and institutional changes.
Student Projects - eg
Creating an organic campus
garden
Feasibility study of
composting organic waste in
halls and colleges
Marketing plans for green
campus initiatives
Promoting active transport,
Research on sustainability
education
Promoting energy efficiency
and recycling in residence
halls
Projects adopted and implemented
Benefits of Linking Campus to Curriculum
For Students
Offers practical experience
for future careers
Builds problem solving and
critical thinking skills
Creates context for learning
Knowledge of local issues
provides framework for
appreciation of global issues
Empowers students to effect
change
For the University
Increases student
engagement in education
and campus community
Offers innovative approach
to teaching and learning
Fosters interdisciplinary
connections
Provides valuable research
into operational
improvements and saves
consultancy dollars
Key achievements
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Academic Partnership Program
Partnerships with residential halls
Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (Sustainability)
PhD Funding through commercial contracts for site services
Bio diversity surveys (community based)
Collaborations on teaching and research projects (eg. Human Ecology
projects, CBE Campus Sustainability course; PhD research into
microbial communities developing in campus compost infrastructure)
• Student Sustainable Learning Community
• Internships (ANU and international students)
• Green Precinct Award - $ m+ Education for Future development
IARU Collaboration
An alliance of ten research universities - ANU, ETH Zurich, Singapore,
Peking, Berkeley, Cambridge, Copenhagen, Oxford, Tokyo and Yale
Foster research collaboration on key issues of global importance
Members are commitment to work towards international best practice in
campus sustainability, promote ecological literacy, and work together
to exchange information and establish common sustainability metrics
Exchange students work on campus sustainability initiatives. Students
live on campus and work with facilities staff in the host university’s
sustainability office. Stipends and paid travel expenses.
Now exploring joint/dual degree arrangements
Thank You
See Dyball, R “Human Ecology as Open Transdisciplinary Inquiry” in Tackling
Wicked Problems, 2010 ed Brown, Harris and Russell: Earthscan