Environmental Education for the Nonenvironmental Engineering Student: An Imperative for the Next Generation of Engineers

Purpose -The aim of this paper is to describe the research and process used to develop a curriculum design guidance model that can be used to develop a sustainability literate construction curriculum in higher education. Design/methodology/approach -A comparative study between the UK and Australia was undertaken. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected in both countries and then analysed to determine what was needed to develop an appropriate model for curriculum design within construction education. Various areas regarding curriculum assessment were considered in order to provide an insightful and comprehensive model for curriculum design. Findings -The results indicated that the UK and Australia do not differ significantly with regards to best practice in curriculum design.Research limitations/implications -The subsequent model can be used by academics to integrate more opportunities for sustainable literacy into construction courses. The proposed model has the potential to be used interchangeably within both countries and possibly beyond. Originality/value -The paper addresses the need for academia to assess the level of environmental knowledge that they disseminate to students as an integrated part of their overall degree rather than at a modular level.

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“…. integrating environmental issues into the curriculum (Dorweiler and Yakhou, 1998;Perdan et al, 2000);…”

Section: The Aims and Importance Of Environmental Education And Researchmentioning

confidence: 99%

Developing a model promoting sustainability literacy through construction curriculum design

Cotgrave

Kokkarinen²

2010

Structural Survey

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“…Courses in environmental education for engineers are common at engineering universities in the United States (Dorweller & Yakko, 1998). The university where this study was conducted has established general university requirements to provide undergraduate students with fundamental knowledge across a spectrum of disciplines.…”

Section: Treatment: Introductory Environmental Studies Coursementioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of an Environmental Studies Course on Attitudes of Undergraduates at an Engineering University

Kuo

Jackson

2014

The Journal of Environmental Education

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Studies suggest that at engineering universities, where the percentage of males and engineering majors is high, pro-environmental attitudes are likely to be weak and may not change. The 15-item New Ecological Paradigm (NEP) scale was used to measure differences in student attitudes before and after an environmental studies course. Results revealed students held more pro-environmental attitudes about the validity of the ecological crisis, the existence of resource constraints, and the delicacy of nature's balance after the course. Students did not shift their views regarding the domination of humans over the environment or their belief in human ingenuity to overcome resource limits. Engineering majors showed weaker endorsement of the NEP compared to non-engineering majors, but the increase in their endorsement after the course was statistically significant.

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“…Recognizing this diversity, researchers doing a study 8 on environmental education available to engineering students chose the following delineating terms:…”

Section: Environmental Learning In Engineeringmentioning

confidence: 99%

Environmental Education Research: Implications for Engineering Education

Hyde

Karney

2001

J of Engineering Edu

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Most environmental education in engineering has pertained to the development of technical environmental engineering skills. However, at the post-secondary level, the spectrum of environmental education approaches is broad, and no consensus exists on the necessary curricular mix for forming effective environmental professionals. This paper examines the tension between the environmental education goals of knowing and caring: learning to scientifically describe how environmental processes work, and learning to value and feel concern for the environment. Literature on the development of environmental sensitivity is explored for insights into how the environmental sensitivity of engineering students could be assessed and nurtured.

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Environmental Education for the Nonenvironmental Engineering Student: An Imperative for the Next Generation of Engineers

Cited by 7 publications

References 5 publications

Developing a model promoting sustainability literacy through construction curriculum design

Developing a model promoting sustainability literacy through construction curriculum design

Influence of an Environmental Studies Course on Attitudes of Undergraduates at an Engineering University

Environmental Education Research: Implications for Engineering Education

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