Community Conversation
Curriculum: Embedding Sustainability — NEXT Forum: Sustainability
Vision
In what ways we can build knowledgeable, ethical and sustainability focused students?
+ add comment1. Proper explanation of the word sustainability.
2. Business models are based on growth….we need… See more
1. Proper explanation of the word sustainability.
2. Business models are based on growth….we need a new definition of growth on the finance books.
3. General awareness of consumers across all discipline on the interpretation of the word sustainability. See less
There is no 'one size fils all' notion of sustainability, so it means very different thing… See more
There is no 'one size fils all' notion of sustainability, so it means very different things to different disciplines. Sustainability and sustainable development as concepts may fundamentally challenge the epistemological foundations and assumptions of many disciplines, and that needs to be acknowledged and engaged with. See less
I cannot really understand where there would be a challenge. I find it hard to understand why it is… See more
I cannot really understand where there would be a challenge. I find it hard to understand why it isn't there. Maybe we should have regular audits to check for lack of inclusion! See less
Is sustainability about an additional topic or is it about the underlying framework or set of princi… See more
Is sustainability about an additional topic or is it about the underlying framework or set of principles that informs whatever disciplinary knowledge and skills of each program? See less
Replies
I agree with what I think Roberto is suggesting; that sustainability should not be considered an ad… See more
I agree with what I think Roberto is suggesting; that sustainability should not be considered an addition to curriculum but a way of framing it. This involves recognising our worldviews and that humans are nature (rather than separate from nature). An understanding of humans as part of the planetary ecosystem would generate vastly different choices and behaviours to our current ones. It is possible that the COVID experience might be generative for some of these discussions. These are challenging concepts but they are relevant to all disciplines – sciences, social sciences, arts, design, education etc. See less
Access to learning objects and resources that can be tailored to discipline (e.g. case studies, databases, projects)
RMIT has a unique opportunity to bring together its commitment to sustainability, Indigenous Reconci… See more
RMIT has a unique opportunity to bring together its commitment to sustainability, Indigenous Reconciliation and industry/community engagement and applied research that sets it apart from other universities. What RMIT needs to do better is to make the fantastic work it already does more visible! Other universities seem to be faster and more concerted in publicizing and marketing SDG and sustainability initiatives. RMIT has the goods but needs greater coordination, communication and uplift both internally and externally to let people know what it has to offer. See less
Harness our CBD 'place', expert alumni and our connections with industry to co-design authentic discipline specific curriculum.
Build expertise with educating lifelong learners, who already have previous experience.
We need to f… See more
Build expertise with educating lifelong learners, who already have previous experience.
We need to find ways to build on the previous skills and expertise of lifelong learners who come back to RMIT, and build them unique pathways to contribute to the sustainability agenda and ecosystem See less
Is the question about setting apart – isn't sustainability as much about working collaboratively and in partnership rather than in competition?
Replies
Great push Roberto!
I really like this – maybe it's more about how our unique specialties can work in harmony and unity with our partners
Aside from being an urban based university, our long tradition in practice-based and hands-on learni… See more
Aside from being an urban based university, our long tradition in practice-based and hands-on learning is essential to recognise and highlight in embedding sustainability in our curriculum. See less
Double down on our urban DNA and build a focus on greener, more inclusive urban cities
Introduce a unique consistent context across the University by emphasing the three pressure points o… See more
Introduce a unique consistent context across the University by emphasing the three pressure points on the natural world.
1.Population growth
2.Consumption based economics
3.Resource scarcity
Students will learn to solve problems with consideration to the three pressure points. From engineering through to the foods listed on a restaurant menu. All courses across the University will have some relevance to at least one of the pressure points.
By using the more concrete framework of the three pressure points, RMIT can avoid falling into the trap of greenwashing and produce substantial solutions.
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Ben S.
26 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyEngage with the SDGs as a framework for teaching systems thinking and interdisciplinarity. Being abl… See more
Engage with the SDGs as a framework for teaching systems thinking and interdisciplinarity. Being able to think about systems: earth systems, social systems, organisational systems, is critcial to addressing the complex, wicked sustainability challenges we are facing as a species. See less
Kim G.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyFacilitate authentic learning opportunities that embed meaningful engagement with the SDGs across ou… See more
Facilitate authentic learning opportunities that embed meaningful engagement with the SDGs across our degrees. Weaving discipline relevant and specific dimensions of sustainability into the curriculum. See less
Naomi W.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyBy making sure to close the loop between research, teaching and learning that addresses both content… See more
By making sure to close the loop between research, teaching and learning that addresses both content creation and academic pathways. This includes reexamining and transforming academic KPIs and promotion criteria to enable greater movement of expertise across the (unproductive) research/teaching divide. See less
Kim G.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyRewards students for outstanding contributions. Prize giving at the end of semester.
Gillian V.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyIncorporate sustainability subjects, or assignments into more courses. Not just in courses focused o… See more
Incorporate sustainability subjects, or assignments into more courses. Not just in courses focused on the environment, this will allow students from all disciplines to be more sustainably aware and educated. See less
Madeline A.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply Reply1. A university-wide SDG101 option course.
2. L&T conferences can be themed on SDG pedagogical approach.
3. Living labs inviting industry challenge projects.
Saniyat I.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply ReplyReplies
check out the Accounting Core – we teach and embed SDGs across our assessment.
Gillian V.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Reportcreate meaningful and transformative learning experiences for students
Lucy A.
22 Sep, 2020 Report Report Reply Reply