Action research for Change Towards Sustainability (ACTS):
Change in
Curricula and Graduate Skills Towards Sustainability
Macquarie University, Sydney has been selected by Environment Australia to
develop
an innovative pilot research project, taking place within the University.
The project combines two research methodologies to a) explore sustainability
and creativity across disciplines through phenomenographic research and b)
assist curriculum change through action research, with the ultimate aim of
preparing graduates for professional work.
The project focus is on:
* Professional development of teachers of postgraduate units in
education for sustainability
* Cross faculty involvement
* Exploring research based activities to enhance professional
developmentin education for sustainability
* Developing graduate skills to meet the needs of industry and
business in moving towards sustainability.
Background
The project has its beginnings in November 2001, when Macquarie University
and Environment Australia held a University-Industry Summit. Participants
identified the need of university graduates to have attributes such as
critical, creative and futures thinking skills, confidence to deal with
uncertainty, and awareness of sustainability. Further, it was acknowledged
that many educators are grappling with the issue of how to integrate
knowledge of sustainability and skills into their discipline areas. A key
recommendation was that research be undertaken in the area of education for
sustainability. An outcome of the Summit was the formation of the Industry
Advisory Group to inform future University-Industry Initiatives.
Action Research
Action Research can be used as a collaborative research tool, which is often
represented as a four-phase cyclical process of critical enquiry of praxis
for participant lecturers - plan formulation, action, outcome observation
and reflection. The process engages lecturers in critical research into
contextual epistemology, pedagogy and ontology - transforming thinking and
action towards sustainability.
Project Communication
Communication with a range of stakeholders, both from Macquarie University
and external to the University, is currently under way to ensure there are
opportunities for collaboration. We would be keen to hear from you if you
have experience or interest in areas relevant to this research project.
Please do not reply to this email but instead contact:
Dr Daniella Tilbury - Senior Lecturer Macquarie University, Graduate School
of the Environment, 9850-7981, Email: [log in to unmask]
or
Dr Anna Reid, Senior Lecturer Macquarie University, Centre for Professional
Development, 9850 9780 [log in to unmask]
With best wishes
Daniella Tilbury and Anna Reid
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