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Summer School - Introduction to Learning for Sustainability, 13 June - 1 July 2016, UK

Publish Date: Oct 23, 2015

Deadline: Apr 08, 2016

Event Dates: from Jun 13, 2016 12:00 to Jul 01, 2016 12:00

Course Description

That in the relatively brief period that Homo sapiens has been the dominant species on the planet we have had a dramatic impact on the fabric and functions of the planet is irrefutable, as is the evidence that this is leading to further and perhaps irreversible effects on planetary systems and climate, loss of biodiversity, ecological impacts of manufactured chemicals, inequality, and related concerns of human well-being and economic stability.

This course aims to critique aspects of the scientific evidence and social context of the above situation and our responses to it. In so doing participants will consider educational responses to the contested concept of ‘sustainability’. This will involve participants considering the breadth and complexity of concepts of ‘sustainability’, and necessarily challenging and partially re-grounding their present understandings and practices by comparing these with the internationally diverse set of practices that sail beneath the ‘flag of convenience’ that is "Learning for Sustainability", "Education for Sustainable Development" and their variants.

The ways in which theory and policy inform practice is a dominant theme of the course. This is reflected in the teaching and, in particular, the three forms of assessment – all of which are inter-linked. The presentation and the essay both require students to draw on sustainability and learning literature and national / state education policy documents.

An opportunity for formative feed-forward is provided through a tutorial where students can, with the course tutor and classmates, discuss their journal, presentation and assignment.

This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in Learning for Sustainability.  It is not necessary to be enrolled in a teacher training programme.

Upon completing this course, students will have developed their understanding and awareness in the following areas:

  • the core concepts underpinning sustainability, with an emphasis on learning for sustainability;
  • the ways in which sustainability issues are innately interdisciplinary and are relevant across the school and university curricula;
  • the roles scientific knowledge plays, or not, in people’s understanding of, and ‘belief’ in, climate change, the need for sustainability, etc.;
  • the theory and practice in organisational change, and its implications for the introduction and development of learning for sustainability in their professional practice;
  • the ways in which global challenges are publicised and previewed and the educational issues relating to learner ‘helplessness’.

The course will also provide each student with the requisite knowledge and skills enabling them to undertake the following range of learning activities:

  • explore and compare international curricula, to critically assess successful approaches to learning for sustainability;
  • critically engage with the concept of ‘learning for sustainability’ to evaluate a range of practices and pedagogical approaches currently used in teaching and learning;
  • examine educational leadership in relation to sustainability;
  • assess the success of the transition from local to global learning contexts.

As course fees and accommodation costs are payable separately, it will not be possible to reduce the tuition fee cost for those students who opt to arrange their own accommodation off-campus.

Tuition Fee:

£575 per week

Accommodation:

You have a choice of accommodation options for varying prices, dependent on your preferences:

  • Standard Single, DB&B: £294.00 per week
  • En-suite Single, DB&B: £469.00 per week
  • Self-Catered, Shared: £168.00 per week

Social Programme

To enhance your experience at the University of Edinburgh Summer School, a variety of social and cultural activities will be organized to allow you to explore and discover the history, traditions and beauty of Scotland whilst meeting people from across the world. Each student can participate in the social and cultural activities which are included in the course fee.  A free gym membership is included as well as a variety of fun and interesting things to do and see in Edinburgh.  Additionally, students can book on to day and weekend tours to explore the rest and best of Scotland (at a discounted rate for Summer School students).

Other costs:

Please note you will also need to pay for any essential books on the reading lists provided and any entrance fees for exhibits and other related fees on study visits.

CLICK TO APPLY NOW

Scholarship - Scottish Summer Endeavour

Scholarship application opens on 1st December 

Scottish Summer Endeavour Scholarships are offered to students from all countries who can display evidence of outstanding academic merit.  

Eligibility

The scholarships are competitive and awarded broadly on the basis of academic merit. A minimum of 3.3 GPA or equivalent is required and evidence of this must be provided along with your application.

 In order to apply, you should be a full-time university/college student who can demonstrate that you meet the academic and language requirements of your preferred course.

To apply:

1. Choose the course you are interested in.

2. Go to your preferred programme page and select ‘click here to apply now’, located towards the top right of your screen. This will enable you to request an application form and further guidance regarding the application process.

2. Fill out the application form and attach the documents required in order to support your application. This will include the following:

  • one letter of recommendation provided by your academic referee (no longer than 500 words)
  • (interim) degree transcripts
  • Evidence of an internationally recognised English language qualification (if appropriate).

4. Send back the application form stating in your email that you would like to apply for the Scottish Summer Endeavour Scholarship.

5. Remember to enclose any other documents that will support your application.


This opportunity has expired. It was originally published here:

http://www.summerschool.ed.ac.uk/course/introduction-learning-sustainability

Similar Opportunities


Disciplines

Sustainable Development

Opportunity Types

Scholarships

Study

Eligible Countries

International

Host Countries

United Kingdom