Establishing a Community of Practice and Embedding Education for Sustainability at the University of Tasmania

Abstract

was established in September 2011 to bring together staff and the wider non-university community (e.g., non-government organisations, primary and secondary schools) with the goal of embedding sustainability as a core focus of the university curriculum, research activities, operations and community engagement. The establishment of this institution-wide Community of Practice is discussed within the context of engagement with the wider University of Tasmania community to raise awareness of, and participation in, Education for Sustainability initiatives. The paper documents the creation processes and includes opportunities and challenges encountered by Community of Practice members. Areas of discussion include greater collaboration across disciplinary boundaries and between academic and professional staff members. The major themes for these discussions were-the 'idea' of sustainability; the social responsibility of the wider university community; the teaching-research nexus and the student experience; community engagement; institutional leadership.

Exploring Changes in Perceptions and Practices of Sustainability in ESD Communities in Australia during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…In the higher education sector, the Talloires Declaration brings together universities committed to environmental sustainability via a 10-point action plan, including embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations and outreach (University Leaders for a Sustainable Future, 2020). While sustainability in policy/curriculum exists across education sectors in Australia, educators constantly grapple with integrating sustainability into educational contexts (see Bosevska & Kriewaldt, 2020;Dyment et al, 2015;Higgs & McMillan, 2006;Salter et al, 2013).…”