SEDA Workshop – Education for Sustainable Development in Higher Education

IntroductionEducation for Sustainable Development (ESD) is an increasingly important feature of the Higher Education landscape, where it may be developed through the formal and informal curriculum. Recent research indicates that this is an area which is important to students and staff alike – but there remain significant challenges in embedding ESD effectively in Higher Education. This workshop builds on recent research findings to explore the ways in which campus and curriculum developments might be brought into closer relationship and to investigate the significance of sustainability pedagogies for future development of this area.  The workshop explores the implications of ESD for programme developers and tutors, and provides examples of good practice from across the sector. It is intended to help support participants share collective experience and move forward this rapidly growing area of knowledge and practice. It also links to SEDA Special 31 and is led by Professor Debby Cotton and Dr Jennie Winter, co-editors and authors of that publication. Aims and outcomes of the workshopThe workshop will adopt an interactive approach which will draw on the experience of the participants and practitioners’ suggestions from SEDA Special 31. By the end of the workshop participants will be able to: ·       

• Identify the basic principles of ESD.·        
• Identify graduate attributes that can be strengthened though ESD content and pedagogy ·        
• Be aware of and engage in some examples of recognised sustainability pedagogies·        
• Recognise opportunities for embedding sustainability pedagogies within their own practice

Debby CottonDebby is Professor of Higher Education Pedagogy and Head of Educational Development at Plymouth University. She has researched ESD in school and higher education for a number of years, and has published widely in this area. She was the lead editor on the recent SEDA Special on ESD in Educational Development (number 31). Jennie WinterJennie is an Educational Developer at Plymouth University. She has generated a number of resources for staff development around Sustainability Education and has published on themes such as sustainability pedagogy, campus-based and learning for sustainability and sustainability transformation.  The workshop starts at 10.00 am to 4.00 pm.  The price includse a copy of  SEDA Special 31, lunch and refreshments.