James Cook University Subject Handbook - 2024

ED5911 - Education for Sustainability

This subject is available to all students who possess a relevant undergraduate degree or diploma approved by the College of Science and Engineering and the College of Arts, Society and Education. ED5911 is offered in external mode in Australia where lectures and tutorials are conducted online through Learn JCU; however some on-campus tutorials may be negotiated. ED5911 is offered in limited mode in Singapore.

Subject Description

Educating for sustainability is one of the key issues for our time. This subject introduces contemporary approaches to education and communication for sustainability in a range of contexts reflecting the University's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In this subject, you will be introduced to recent educational policy, curriculum, pedagogy, communication theory, and research in education for sustainability (EfS). You will be encouraged to link theoretical understandings with innovative ideas for education for sustainability practice in educational, organizational and community settings. ED5911 is an AQF level 9 subject that will consolidate your knowledge of socio-ecological systems and processes with a view to enhancing your capacity to understand, educate and communicate for local, regional and global sustainability.

Learning Outcomes

• apply a body of new and emerging knowledge in the field of education for sustainability to a professional education, organizational and /or community setting
• interpret and transmit knowledge, skills and ideas to non-specialist audiences in relation to education in and for the Anthropocene
• interpret problems and creatively apply educational solutions appropriate to an identified context and scale
• reflect critically on international, national, and state frameworks, statements, policies, curriculum initiatives and resources for sustainability education
• successfully design and complete a discrete research and/or a curriculum project in education for sustainability relevant to a chosen professional, community or personal setting

Subject Assessment

• Written > Project report - (60%) - Individual
• Written > Reflection/reflective task 1 - (40%) - Individual

Note that minor variations might occur due to the continuous subject quality improvement process, and in case of minor variation(s) in assessment details, the Subject Outline represents the latest official information.

Availabilities