EDST1505_FHFYR_2025 -audio

Introduction

This lecture marks a continuation of the exploration in sustainability, framed within the context of a university setting. The session begins with acknowledgments and emphasizes the importance of active participation, both in person and through live streaming. The instructor expresses gratitude for the engagement shown by students thus far, especially on the iLearn platform.

Acknowledgments and Extracurricular Opportunities

Transition to Presentations

• A shorter lecture format today due to presentations regarding extracurricular activities.

• Olivia and Sophie present opportunities for students to engage in study abroad through CIS Australia.

CIS Australia Presentation

• CIS Australia is a reputable short-term study abroad provider approved by the university, offering programs in over 25 countries.

• Programs provide full support including orientation, accommodation, meals, transportation, and excursions.

• Olivia and Sophie share personal experiences from their trip to New York State, highlighting cultural exploration, college life, and academic projects in augmented reality.

• Information about funding through OS Help loans is discussed, outlining eligibility for students seeking academic credit for international study.

• Programs last from two to six weeks, fitting within university term breaks, allowing students to earn credits while traveling.

• Volunteer opportunities through CIS Australia enhance practical experience and engagement with real-world projects.

Transition to Class

The instructor thanks Olivia and Sophie for their informative presentation and transitions back to the main lecture.

Communication Expectations

Professional Interaction Guidelines

• The instructor encourages respectful communication in class settings. Emphasis is placed on addressing staff by name in correspondence.

• Personalized messages and adherence to formal email protocols help streamline communications and responses.

Introduction of Guest Tutor

• Kathy Jones, a guest tutor and high school geography and science teacher, introduces herself, sharing her background and connection to sustainability in education.

Lecture Focus: Sustainability

Overview of Module One

• The second week of the course focuses on conceptualizing sustainability and its implications.

• Acknowledgment of the Dharug nation and their culture, incorporating indigenous perspectives into the understanding of sustainability discussed in future sessions.

Defining Sustainability

• Definition: Sustainability is the practice of meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs.

• This concept serves as a continuous, long-term goal rather than a finite destination, emphasizing an ongoing evaluation of actions and their impact across various pillars—economic, ecological, social, and political.

Contestability of Sustainability

• The definition of sustainability can be contested based on differing beliefs about environmental priorities and methodologies for achieving sustainable outcomes.

• Two primary ideological perspectives are discussed:

  • Ecocentric View: Emphasizes the interdependence of all life forms and a responsibility to manage resources sustainably.

  • Anthropocentric View: Centers human needs and often relies on technological solutions to environmental challenges.

Educational Approaches to Sustainability

Education for Sustainability

• Education for sustainability integrates both formal and informal learning aimed at equipping students with skills to critically engage with sustainability challenges.

• Characteristics of education for sustainability include:

  • Emphasizing critical thinking and reflection.

  • Encouraging collaboration and active engagement in local communities.

• The necessity for teachers to possess training in sustainability principles and practices is highlighted, underscoring the importance of foundational knowledge in teacher education programs.

Practical Engagement

• Students are encouraged to engage with sustainability through project-based learning and partnerships with local community members.

• Initiatives such as Clean Up Australia Day and Project Penguin are discussed, prompting reflection on the sustainability of such events and their potential for fostering lasting change.

Reflection and Future Challenges

• The instructor encourages students to consider how they will address real-world challenges—like food insecurity and climatic disasters—within their future educational practices.

• Identification of contemporary global challenges emphasizes the urgency of addressing sustainability in educational settings.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

• The lecture sets the stage for future discussions, notably next week’s focus on indigenous perspectives on sustainability facilitated by Dr. Joanne Ray.

• Attendees are reminded to engage with the materials online and prepare for upcoming tutorials, which will be hands-on in the field.

• An emphasis on continual reflection, engagement with local contexts, and the importance of fostering student agency in sustainability will be central themes as the course progresses.