Authors: Baillie, Caroline; Remenda, Victoria

Source: Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, Volume 1, Number 1, April 2007 , pp. 163-170(8)

Publisher: American Scientific Publishers

Abstract:

Courses which are intended to help students learn 'attitudes' or ways of thinking, as well as or instead of the more common 'knowledge' and 'skills,' are notoriously difficult to get right—particularly for younger students. Most courses relating to environmental issues or sustainability are electives within general science or engineering programs or they are within specialized environmental degree programs. In this paper, we examine two compulsory core courses designed to help students develop an appreciation of sustainability of the environment, one within a common first-year program of 600 students and one within a second-year geological engineering program of 35 students. In the first-year course, the sustainability component is situated within a course on 'Professional Skills,' which is taught in an innovative week-long intensive module. Students in this course have difficulties with the teaching and learning approach as much as with the subject matter. In the second-year course the main focus is on sustainability and the environment, taught using enquiry-based learning, a similar, interactive, innovative approach. In this course students respond much better to the concepts and appear to enhance or transform their perspectives. Students may be considered to pass through a 'threshold.' We examine the factors which seem to prevent students from passing through the threshold and consider possible strategies for aiding the pathway.

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Keywords: SUSTAINABILITY; THRESHOLD CONCEPT; EDUCATION

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1166/jbmb.2007.019

Publication date: 2007-04-01

More about this publication?

• The goal of the creation of a biobased economy is challenging to agriculture, forestry, academia, government and industry. The extractable resources of the Earth are finite, regardless of the quibble over when they will be depleted. The economic, political and social demands for biobased chemicals, materials and energy are expected to radically transform the materials industries, particularly the plastics industry as well as the biofuel industry. These changes will be based on the principles of sustainability, eco-efficiency, industrial ecology, and green chemistry and engineering. In keeping with the growth of knowledge in this field, there is a strong need for a forum to share original research related to biobased materials and bioenergy. The Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy (JBMB) has been created as an international peer-reviewed periodical to fulfill the need for communication in these research areas. This journal will encompass related research activities in all fields of science, engineering and the life sciences.
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