Civic Engagement and Sustainability Education

August 7, 2016

The term “sustainability education” refers to a teaching approach that uses innovative pedagogy to encourage students to think critically and take action toward a sustainable future. Service-learning and project-based learning are both useful strategies for exploring this topic.

Sustainability education is receiving increasing attention on college campuses. In New Hampshire, CCNH’s Campuses for Environmental Stewardship grants have helped campuses develop courses that incorporate sustainability education.

Educators and administrators interested in integrating sustainability into their courses and departments may consider civic engagement as a mechanism for creating meaningful experiences at the intersection of sustainability and their respective disciplines. For example, a service-learning project focused on creating public information about recycling for a non-English-speaking audience may help students better understand the intersection of sustainability and teaching English as a second language.

One of ta wide range of knowledge hubs developed by Campus Compact, Civic Engagement and Sustainability Education offers resources, models, and information from across the country.