Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) staff seminar

Tuesday 12 January 2010
12.30 – 4.30pm in G8

The University has identified sustainability as one of the key elements defining its present and future development in all areas of its activity. Aston’s aim is to integrate and embed sustainability principles and practices in the learning experience of all its students whether full or part time, graduate or undergraduate. This seminar will draw on the experience of three key individuals whose extensive experience of education and sustainability in higher education institutions in the UK, Canada and Australia will enable Aston staff to explore how responsibility for our future well being and for the well being of the planet can effectively be addressed within the formal and informal curriculum.

Contributors:

Dr Peter Hopkinson, Senior Lecturer in Environmental Science and Director of the Ecoversity Project at the University of Bradford

Dr Stephen Sterling, Schumacher Reader in Education for Sustainability and Associate Director of the Centre for Sustainable Futures at the University of Plymouth

Daniella Tilbury, Professor of Sustainability and Director of Sustainability, University of Gloucestershire

Chair: Dr John Blewitt, Director of Lifelong Learning at Aston University

Proceedings:

12.30–1.15 Lunch

1:15           Introduction: SC/PH

1:30           Introduction to seminar:  JDB

1:40–2:30   Informal discussion on ESD and HEIs- comparative perspectives and experience

Topics: National and international picture; Hefce commitment; HEA; sustainability and UG learning; experience of Gloucestershire, Bradford and Plymouth universities; education for a low carbon society, business and sustainability, sustainability literacy, etc- JDB with DT, SS & PH followed by Q&A from participants.

2:30-2:40   Break

2:40-2:45   Intro to three Provocations: issues and actions and process

2:45          Prof Daniella Tilbury– Provocation One  Neither Bottlewashing nor Brainwashing: what ESD is really about

Response

3:10          Dr Peter Hopkinson – Provocation Two Sustainable Development is great but it doesn’t pay the bills

Response

3:35          Dr Stephen Sterling – Provocation Three – ESD and the HEA

Response

4:00- 4:20  Discussion, questions & comments

4:20          Dr John Blewitt - Summary: what’s next?

4:30          Close

Further information or book a place.