Teaching and Learning for EfS

Before we can do things differently we need to think differently!

Sustainability, whether environmental, social, cultural or economic, is an unstable and contestable concept – which is a good thing! It provides an opportunity for innovative teaching and learning practices to provide our students and graduates with the foundations to contribute to an ecologically sustainable planet and a just and diverse society.

To support our new 'sustainability' graduate attribute, Sustainability Education and Partnerships have developed practical sustainability teaching and learning guide (PDF, 1871.97 KB) (opens in a new window) to support Western Sydney University educators from any School or discipline. The guide includes examples of sustainability curriculum entry points and pathways, pedagogical tools and examples of teaching practices from across our institution to help you with your own teaching practices.

Educators Guide for Sustainability Teaching and Learning (opens in a new window) 
(PDF, 1871.97 KB)

Why Education for Sustainability (EfS)?

Education for Sustainability (EfS) provides the thinking skills and capabilities to equip learners to take critically informed action towards sustainable futures. It focuses on critical, reflective and creative thinking, systems and complexity thinking, futures thinking, values and world views, as well as participatory and partnership capabilities. EfS is about pedagogy as much as teaching content. While learning about sustainability issues like climate, biodiversity, poverty, urban living or water quality are vital, Education for Sustainability focuses on how we educate people as critical, creative, empowered citizens who can make change in the world. It is about transformative learning, which is often student-centred, experience-based, collaborative and lifelong.

Get involved!

Are you already working on innovative sustainability teaching and learning practices? Share and promote your work with us via the Sustainability and Resilience 2030 Digital Engagement Platform (opens in a new window) or apply for a university Teaching Excellence Award (opens in a new window).

Learn more about our graduate attribute framework.

If you are looking for more teaching and learning support, please feel free to contact our team or the Learning and Teaching team.