Sustainable Practices

Learning outcome

Engage with ethical and sustainable practices that meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and those of the environment.

Sustainable Practices Graduate Learning Outcome

This course will introduce you to the Sustainable Practices Graduate Learning Outcome and processes for aligning and embedding content across a course or subject. Towards the end of this course, you will be provided with a range of resources that you can adapt, modify, or use to contextualise sustainability into your course or subject.

Accessing the GLO

The Sustainable Practices GLO is available to Charles Sturt staff for self-enrolment through the Brightspace Learning system. Use the following instructions to enrol.

• Step 1: Go to the Brightspace Sustainable Practices Graduate Learning Outcome page.
• Step 2: Log in with your Charles Sturt University username and password (if needed).
• Step 3: Select enrol in the course.
• Step 4: Select open course.

Student Benefits

Our wellbeing and that of our future generations depends on our ability to implement sustainable approaches and practices in organisations and all other other aspects of life. As our future leaders and contributors to a world worth living in, Charles Sturt graduates will help ensure we continue to have access to basic life sustaining resources and that the health of the planet is protected. As nations look to reduce carbon emissions, mitigate against extreme weather events, develop technologies of the future, and ensure future generations have the same opportunities we currently enjoy, knowledge and skills to apply sustainable practices are critically important. Embedding sustainability in our curriculum enable students to develop and apply sustainability knowledge and values in their field. Organisations and governments are looking for graduates who can help facilitate this transition.

Scaffolding

• Contextualise the concept: For example, law and policing students can apply sustainability when considering social equity, justice, citizenship and biosecurity.
• Develop an understanding of ecological sustainability: Investigation of evidence about environmental, social, and economic considerations on a contextualised topic.
• Develop critical thinking: Ensure assessments explore the tension in the complexities of sustainable decision-making.
• Reflect and apply sustainable practices: Reflect on a complex sustainability issue. Make informed decisions that consider social, economic and environmental consequences.

Course Requirements

At least one assessment item including critical reflection on sustainable practices in relation to their chosen profession, exploring the tension between environmental, social and economic considerations. At least one assessment item requiring sustainable decision making in a professional context with consideration of ecological consequences.

Teaching Practices

• Case studies, discussion, debates and group presentations on issues associated with internationalisation, ethical practice, equality, health, climate change, planning and development, resource use, diversity, and biodiversity are all part of sustainable practice.
• Use self-assessment tools (such as WWF), individual and group challenges (such as Plastic Free July) to develop an understanding of environmental impact.
• Maintain and enhance a student’s exploration of self within the contexts of today.

Assessment

Assessment of this GLO needs to be explicit and contextualised.